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PART 7 - WATER SAFETY

 

1. For the purpose of this Part, the word “Boat ” and extensions, implies any form of watercraft.

 

2. GENERAL -- The following Articles on boating are to be observed in concert with the regulations made by the US Coast Guard and any applicable local authorities pertaining to public boating.

 

A). Before allowing a youth member to take part in any form of boating, the Leader or other person in charge shall be familiar with all sections of this rule.  In interpreting this rule for each activity they shall consider carefully all circumstances and carry out every precaution that would be taken by a prudent parent.

 

3. REGULAR BOATING -- Each Sate Council shall appoint, if applicable, a Water Safety Committee of active or retired Seafarer Leaders or Sea Rovers who shall work with the ASC Seafarers. This Committee shall keep up to date with Coast Guard Regulations and advise the State Council of any additional rules and regulations needed for this section.

 

A). The Water Safety Committee shall provide for the issue and observance of regulations concerning the waters of their State.  The use, condition and equipment of all boats used and the safety of those using them will be a priority.

 

B). The Water Safety Committee shall adopt regulations to meet the following requirements:

i).   Each boat shall be equipped with a painter and bailer(s).

ii).  Each boat equipped with drain holes shall have 2 spare plugs attached to the boat by lanyards.

iii). Each boat traveling after dark and not required by law to carry any navigation light(s) shall be equipped with a flashlight or lantern to be used if necessary to make its presence known.

iv). Sail and powerboats shall be equipped with paddles or oars.

v).  Powerboats shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher of the required class.

vi). All persons taking part in boating should be able to swim 50 meters in clothes.

vii). All persons taking part in “boating” shall put on an approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) prior to entering a boat.

viii). Each boat shall be properly manned with a competent person in charge.

ix)  A person in command of a boat shall have any required local certification, or participate in an optional safety course.

 

 

WHERE NO WATER SAFETY COMMITTEE EXISTS, ALL MEMBERS, AS OCCASIONAL USERS, SHALL FULLY COMPLY WITH “3-B {i-viii} INCLUSIVE.

 

4. Where Groups and Areas, or Districts own or have exclusive use of boats & life jackets, the Water Safety Committee shall adopt regulations to meet the following requirements:

A). Each boat, when full of water, shall have the ability to remain afloat and support its crew in the water.

B). Each canoe, rowing boat and sailing boat should be painted Yellow below the water line.

C). The limit of sail, and or motor power, and the passenger and weight load, that each boat may carry, shall be set.  (AS PER MANUFACTURER’S SPECS)

D). Each boat shall have clearly marked on the stern the maximum number of people and weight it can safely carry.  These limitations are not to be exceeded.

E). Each boat shall be inspected annually by a competent member of the State Water    Safety Committee, who shall, if the boat is found  to be satisfactory, issue a “Boat Certificate” for each seaworthy boat he inspects

F). Life jackets shall be inspected annually to ensure they are in good condition.

 

SWIMMING

 

5. No member shall be permitted to swim alone, the “Buddy” system shall be used at all times.

 

6. Any swim party from any Section must be under the supervision of a Leader or another responsible adult appointed for the purpose of being “In Charge.”

 

7. Any Section swim party must be organized on the buddy system.  Prior to entering the water, the   members shall be paired off and instructed that they must stay reasonably close together while in the water.  At intervals, on a given signal from the person in charge, each shall make their way to their buddy and raise their clasped hands to signify that each has found their buddy. The adult in charge must investigate missing buddies immediately.  If one member decides to leave the water for any   reason, they must inform their buddy who must also leave the water at the same time.

 

8. The safety of the swim area must be established prior to the members being permitted to enter    the water.

 

9. During the swim period, two good swimmers (swim pickets) must be on duty as lifeguards, either on shore, or afloat in a boat.  These swimmers should hold the Bronze Medallion (RLSS) in swimming if possible.

 

10. A lifeline or other recognized rescue aid must be available at all times to the swim pickets who must be proficient in their use.   

                                                         

 

 

   

 

 


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Last modified: October 15, 2016.