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Water & Physical Challenge Activities

Last Revised on January 13, 2012

Water Activities

Water activities require special precautions. Whenever swimming, whether at a beach, lake, private or public pool, engage a certified lifeguard to be present.

Physical Challenge Activities

Recreational activities are included in youth programs for their inherent values of leadership, team play, discipline, and socialization.

Certain high-risk activities may be undertaken only in planned events with the assistance of certified (or appropriately trained when certification is not necessary) instructors:

SCUBA Diving
Snorkeling
Waterskiing
Board Sailing
Whitewater activities (canoeing, rafting, etc.)
Shooting and hunting sports
Caving
Defensive martial arts
Climbing and rappelling

By the very fact that these activities are more physically challenging, they involve a greater risk of personal injury.

Related Policies:

When using any type of watercraft, young people must wear certified life preservers and be instructed on the proper handling of the craft before using it. Each craft is to have an adult on board. Motorized craft must be driven by those 25 years of age or older who are properly instructed in the use of such watercraft. 1965

Certain high-risk activities are strictly prohibited. These activities include, but are not limited to: sky diving, hang gliding, parasailing, bungee jumping, rodeo activities, use of trampolines, use of all-terrain vehicles, any bus or vehicle “pulls," skateboarding (permitted by BSA with guidelines), sledding or inner-tubing is prohibited when the sled or inner tube is pulled by a motorized vehicle of any sort, scavenger hunts that require young people to leave an event site are prohibited, martial arts (competitive boxing, etc.), fireworks, participations in motorized speed events, or motorized personal watercrafts. 1966

In order to manage the risk and ensure that the youth experience the activity at its best, youth ministry leaders must provide the following: licensed, certified instructors who, either as part of an organization or on their own, have a good safety record; proper safety equipment; match between the difficulty of the activity and the skill ability of the participants; training for adult sponsors/volunteers particular to this type of activity. 1967