Merit Badges, Awards, & Training
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Lifesaving
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling BSA
- BSA Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- Mile Swim
- Aquatics Supervision: Swimming and Water Rescue (for scouts fifteen or older or adults)
- Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety (for scouts fifteen or older or adults)
All Waterfront merit badges, awards, and certifications require completion of a swim test at BSA Swimmer proficiency. Swim tests are completed during Sunday check-in or from 2pm-5pm during the week.
Activities
- Open Swim and Boat: Open swim and boat time is available each afternoon and evening during open program, except when the Waterfront staff run Ocean Swim on the beach. Scouts can free-swim in the beginner or swimmer areas, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard around the lake, or use the trampoline!
- Mile Swim: Available to all interested scouts and adult leaders. Each swimmer will need a rower and a spotter who have both passed the BSA Swim Test to accompany them during their swim. No swimmer will be allowed to take part in Mile Swim without having attended and participated in every class and workout; this is a nationally-established requirement and is non-negotiable.
- Learn to Swim: Basic swim instruction is available from 2-3pm for all skill levels. A great way for younger scouts to gain more confidence in the water!
Special Events
- Polar Bear Swim: 6am, Wednesday morning in the ocean! Prove your mettle as a true polar bear by braving the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean. You won’t want to miss this!
- The Triathlon: Run, swim, and row your way to victory! Scouts will need to form teams of one runner, one swimmer, and one rower and sign up at the Waterfront at 4:15pm on Tuesday. The route has competitors run a ¼-mile to the Waterfront, swim around the docks, and canoe across the lake and back. An “Ironman” option for scouts wanting to tackle the whole course themselves is also available.
Just for Adult Leaders
- Adult Leader Belly-Flop Contest: Contestants will be judged on form, performance, costume, and yell. Scouts are encouraged to help brainstorm creative ideas for this contest and cheer on their leaders!
Safety
The Aquatics Director may shut the Waterfront area down in the event of inclement weather, particularly during thunderstorms or heavy winds.
![Lifeguards on Lake Beach.jpg](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/a68da2a3-9cdb-4859-82b6-41558291c066/375ac7c5-6c9c-417c-8e8c-93092c0117f3/Lifeguards_on_Lake_Beach.jpg)