Water Safety:

GREEN hyperlinks links are external Official Scouting Links

Safe Swim Defense -  'reminders' (acronyms/mnemonics) here are a couple which will help you to remember the key water safety guidelines:

"PDQBALLS:"   For Second Class Rank Requirements

P    Physical Fitness                          Be fit to Swim - physical exam by doctor may be needed
D    Discipline                                     Pay attention to leaders, instructions & rules
Q    Qualified Supervision                  Qualified Adult Supervision in & out of water
B    Buddy System                              Everyone is paired with a buddy to stay with   
A    Ability Groups                               Everyone is tested and stays within their limits
L    Lifeguard                                       A trained & equipped lifeguard is on duty
L    Look-Out                                       Positioned to hear and see everything in area
S    Safe Swimming Area                   Evaluate the area and determine safety & limits

Also for Safety Afloat in a canoe or small craft we have:

"PDQBAPPPE:"   For First Class Rank Requirements

P   Physical fitness                                   Same as above - Safe Swim Defense
D   Discipline                                             Same as above - Safe Swim Defense
Q   Qualified supervision                          Adult with watercraft certification
B   Buddy system                                      Same as above + buddy water craft requirement
A   Ability (Swimming merit badge)           Can you swim if you loose the water craft 
P   Personal Flotation Device (PFD)       Coast Guard Type II (horseshoe) or III (life vest)
P   Planning                                               Written float plan with a copy to somebody on land
P   Proficiency (e.g. Canoeing badge)    Practice how to operate craft before going on a trip
E   Equipment                                            Well maintained & correct for craft, users & conditions

Safe Swim Defense & Safety Afloat Quiz - Online scenario tests - a good refresher
 

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