Swimming & Aquatics
From recreational swimming to competitive strokes, this pathway helps you become confident and capable in the water. Learn proper technique for different strokes, understand water safety, and build cardiovascular fitness. Swimming is a lifelong skill that opens doors to many water-based activities.
Building your Award:
Find Bronze Award examples to support activity planning
Example SMART Goal: Time to get serious about swimming! Over 13 weeks, I’ll hit the pool for at least an hour each week, working on my freestyle and backstroke. My goal is to swim 10 continuous laps without stopping by the end.
Example Assessor: Swim coach, lifeguard instructor, or recreation center aquatics staff
Example Log: Swam 6 laps today without stopping. That’s 2 more than last week! Coach helped me fix my breathing timing. Focusing on keeping my hips higher in the water next session.
Example SMART Goal: I’m working toward my Bronze Medallion certification! For 13 weeks, I’ll spend an hour each week studying water rescue techniques, first aid, and lifeguarding skills. This could even lead to a summer job!
Example Assessor: Lifeguard instructor, aquatics coordinator, or certified trainer
Example Log: Practiced the rescue throw today and learned when to use it vs. swimming out. Also reviewed the signs of a struggling swimmer. Taking notes on spinal injury protocols next week.
Example SMART Goal: I want to help others feel safe in the water. I’m volunteering an hour each week assisting with beginner swim lessons for kids. I’ll help demonstrate, encourage nervous swimmers, and track my teaching skills.
Example Assessor: Swim instructor, aquatics supervisor, or recreation coordinator
Example Log: Helped three kids practice floating today. One was really scared at first but by the end she was floating on her back for 5 seconds! Learning to be patient and encouraging. Working on bubble blowing with them next week.
(Completed as a team. Participants will work together to plan and complete their journey.)
Example Activity: Explore aquatic facilities in your region! Visit different pools, beaches, or lakes. Compare features, learn about water safety at each location, and document what makes each spot unique.
Example Team Goal: Our team will visit at least 3 aquatic locations, interview lifeguards or staff about safety protocols, photograph the facilities, and create a water safety awareness guide for our community.
Example Assessor/Supervisor: Aquatics staff, teacher, or Award Leader
