Swimming Merit Badge

Health & Exercise

Health and Fitness

Because it's a great sport for endurance, for people with joint problems, and to loose weight fast.

And you use muscles that you wouldn't normally use on a daily routine.

Why Swimming is favored for fitness and therapeutic exercise?

Sunburn

Protection:

• Long-sleeved shirt
• Broad brimmed hat
• Sunscreen

Treatment:

• Cool, damp cloths
• Aloe vera

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

C-A-B-D

C is for Compression

A is for Airway

B is for Breathing

D is for Defibrillation

Steps if someone collapses:

• Scene Safety
• Pat on shoulder and ask if OK
• Listen and look for breathing
• Call 9-1-1 & get AED
• 30 compressions at 100 per minute
• 2 rescue breaths

Spinal Injuries

Use AED as soon as it is available

Signs:

• Severe pain in his or her neck or back
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis or lacks control of his or her limbs, bladder or bowels
• Neck or back is twisted or positioned oddly

Safety

Treatment:

• Call 911
• Keep the person still
• Isolate head & neck
• Provide as much first aid as possible without moving the person's head or neck

BSA rules for safe and fun water activities

First Aid

Heat Exhaustion

Signs:

• Pale and clammy skin
• Nausea and tiredness
• Dizziness and fainting
• Headache, muscle cramps and weakness

Treatment:

• Lie down, feet up
• Apply wet cloths, fan
• Sip water

First aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming

Heatstroke

Safety Afloat

Dehydration

Signs:

• Skin very hot to touch
• Skin red; dry or damp with sweat
• Rapid pulse & quick, noisy breathing
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Safe Swim Defense

Treatment:

• Call for Medical Assistance
• Move to cool location
• Loosen tight clothing
• Wrapped ice packs
• Drink water

Signs:

• Severe thirst
• Dark urine, decreased urine production
• Tiredness, weakness
• Dry skin and lips, decreased sweating
• Nausea, fainting, loss of appetite
• Headache, body aches, muscle cramps
• Confusion, dizziness

1. Qualified Supervision

2. Personal Health Review

3. Swimming Ability

4. Life Jackets

5. Buddy System

6. Skill Proficiency

7. Planning

8. Equipment

9. Discipline

1. Qualified Supervision

2. Personal Health Review

3. Safe Area

4. Lifeguards

5. Lookout

6. Ability Groups

7. Buddy System

8. Discipline

Treatment:

• Drink before you feel thirsty
• Keep urine clear
• Rest

Explain the health benefits of regular aerobic exercise

• Exercise helps you look better
• Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
• Exercise improves mood
• Exercise boosts energy
• Exercise promotes better sleep
• Exercise can be fun

Swimming Exercise Plan

Elements:

• Aerobic/vascular fitness
• Strength & muscle tone
• Body flexibility
• weight control

Other Stuff

Discuss:

• Local resources and facilities
• Incentives and obstacles
• Benefits
• Self discipline

Bees & Wasps Stings:

• Remove stinger
• Apply ice
• Watch for Anaphylactic shock

Cuts & Scraps:

• Wash
• Antibiotic ointment
• Cover
• Change daily

Hypothermia

Muscle Cramps:

• Calm down and relax
• Gently stretch and massage
• Drink beverages contain potassium

Signs:

• Feel cold and numb
• Become tired and unable to think straight
• Shiver uncontrollably
• Make poor decisions
• Become irritable
• Loss consciousness

Treatment:

• Shelter
• Remove wet clothing
• Dry clothing & insulation
• Drink warm liquids
• Apply warm heat
• Monitor - Call for help

Hyperventilation:

• Reassure the Person
• Help the Person Relax Breathing