National Capital Area Council > About > Council Committees > Aquatics Committee

Aquatics Committee

NCAC’s Aquatics Committee enhances local aquatics activities by being the center of effort for recreational and instructional programs in, on and under the water. The goal of the committee is to further the aims of Scouting at the unit, district and council levels through safe, enjoyable aquatics programming.  

Members meet periodically to discuss aquatic trends, programming, trainings, safety, advancement opportunities and development of aquatic leadership. We are currently looking for individuals with aquatics experience to serve as committee members, district trainers, lifeguards and/or merit badge counselors. 

Please contact us if you would like to receive additional information about any of our trainings & events, attending a meeting or becoming a member.

Committee Board Members:

Aquatics Training

Safety Afloat Training:  Scout groups shall use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years.  Safety Afloat Training can be taken online.

Safe Swim Defense Training:  Scout groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean. Safe Swim Defense training can be taken online.

Scouting America Lifeguard provides professional-level training for lifeguards at unit or summer camp swimming activities and is provided locally by qualified instructors who are authorized by the local council. Scouting America Lifeguard is typically offered before the summer swim season (special event) and at summer camp.

Scouting America Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water confidently.

Kayaking Scouting America provides an introduction to kayaking skills and safety procedures and serves as a program opportunity for Troops, Crews, and Ships.

Scuba Scouting America introduces qualified Scouts in Troops, Crews, Ships, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving.

Snorkeling Safety is the recommended procedure for conducting group snorkeling at a private or public pool, wilderness pond, stream, or wherever the water looks inviting enough to take a dip.

Swimming & Water Rescue training provides Scouting America leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training.

2025 Training Schedule 

  • Pre-Camp Swim Test
    • TBD, Camp Snyder, Haymarket, VA
  • Paddle Craft Safety Class 1 (12 slots; registration will open in January 2025)
    • 05/17/25 – Still Water – Camp Snyder/Silver Lake
    • 05/18/25 – Moving Water – Riley’s Lock/GW Canal
  • Paddle Craft Safety Class 2 (12 slots; registration will open in January 2025)
    • 05/31/25 – Still Water – Camp Snyder/Silver Lake
    • 06/01/25 – Moving Water – Rohrbach Group Campground, Sharpsburg, MD
  • Swiftwater Rescue (20 slots; registration will open in January 2025)
    • 06/07/25 – Lower Antietam
    • 06/08/25 – Rohrbach Group Campground, Sharpsburg, MD
  • Aquatics Partial Merit Badge Make-up Day (30 slots)
    • TBD, Camp Snyder, Haymarket, VA

Other Opportunities

NCAC Specific Resources

AWARDS