Paws for Water

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Paws for Water helps you have fun in the water while staying safe. You'll learn swim rules, try some strokes, and jump in with your buddy. Water skills help you enjoy summer with confidence.

Why it's worth it

Swimming opens up pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches for the rest of your life. Paws for Water helps you have fun in the water and stay safe while you do it. You'll learn the rules, try a swimming stroke, and jump in with your buddy. Whether you're just learning or already swim well, you'll come away more confident in the water.

Start this week

Ask your adult to find a pool or beach with lifeguards where your family or den can swim.
Learn the buddy check: when it's called, grab your buddy's hand and hold it up high.
Pack your swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen in one bag.
If you're taking swim lessons, ask your den leader whether they can count for this adventure.

Stay safe

Swim only where a lifeguard or qualified adult is watching. Den and pack swims follow Scouting America's Safe Swim Defense.
Stay in water that matches your swimming ability, and get out right away if you hear thunder.

Requirements · 6

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Note: This adventure can also be earned by completing swimming lessons from an accredited instructor or by passing the Scouting America swimmer test.

Requirement 1
Learn the swimming safety rules you need to follow
Tip: Talk with a lifeguard or leader about the rules, like always swimming with a buddy.
For example: Your rules might be: always swim with a buddy, only swim where a lifeguard or trained adult is watching, stay in the area for your swimming ability, and walk on the pool deck.
Requirement 2
Show how to enter the swimming area properly
Tip: Show how to enter the right way, such as feet first or using steps, as your area allows.
For example: Show your leader how you enter: walk down the steps or ladder, or sit on the edge and slide in feet first, depending on the rules where you swim.
Requirement 3
Swim for 30 minutes with your den or family, using the buddy system and staying in your ability group
Tip: Swim with your den or family where lifeguards or trained adults are watching.
For example: Your den swims for 30 minutes at a lifeguarded pool. Everyone has a buddy, stays in the area that matches their swimming ability, and answers buddy checks right away.
Requirement 4
Try at least one stroke: front crawl, restful backstroke, or breaststroke
Tip: Try one stroke slowly. A swim teacher can help you get the arm moves right.
For example: Try a restful backstroke: float on your back, look up, and slowly sweep your arms down to your sides like you're making a snow angel in the water.
Requirement 5
Jump feetfirst into water that is chest-deep or deeper
Tip: With an adult in the water nearby, jump in feet first where it's chest-deep or deeper.
Requirement 6
Show how to exit the swimming area properly
Tip: Practice climbing out at the ladder or steps calmly.

Talk about it together

What makes you feel brave in the water, and what makes you feel nervous?
Which stroke felt best to you, and why?
How did having a buddy change your time in the water?
What water skill do you want to work on next?

Good questions to ask a lifeguard or swim instructor

What do lifeguards watch for?
What should I do if I get tired in the water?
How can I get better at swimming?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Hold swim activities at a pool with lifeguards and follow Scouting America swim safety rules.
Group scouts by swimming ability so everyone is in safe water.

People & places that can help

American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) — Swim lessons and water safety for kids.
Local YMCA or community pool — Swim lessons and lifeguarded swim times.
Scouting America: Paws for Water (opens in a new tab) — The official requirements and den activity ideas for each one.
Scouting America Aquatics Safety (opens in a new tab) — Safe Swim Defense and the other rules leaders follow at every swim.
American Red Cross Water Safety (opens in a new tab) — Water safety tips for kids and families.
Safe Kids Worldwide: Water Safety (opens in a new tab) — Simple ways families stay safe at pools, lakes, and beaches.

Wolf, Rank · 7 requirements

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.