To participate in any Troop 54 water activities (swimming, boating, canoeing, etc.), all Scouts and adults must take the official Scouting America swim test annually. The troop incorporates regular water activities into its weekend campouts (swimming, beaching, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, etc.) While Troop 54 strongly encourages all participants to achieve the “Swimmer“ classification to fully enjoy all activities, your test results will determine your participation boundaries in accordance with Scouting America’s Aquatics Safety rules:
- Swimmers: Allowed in all swim areas and may operate all age-appropriate watercraft.
- Beginners: Restricted to the beginner swim area (shallow water) and may only operate certain watercraft (like canoes or rowboats) when accompanied by an adult “Swimmer.”
- Non-Swimmers: Restricted to the shallowest wading area and may only ride in certain watercraft as a passenger with an adult “Swimmer.”
Swim Test Opportunities
Annual Troop 54 Swim Test
The troop offers at least one swim test opportunity per year in the spring. Results are documented in Scoutbook.com.
Summer Camp
Council summer camps (e.g. Camp Strake) typically require a swim test for all Scouts and adults. If you can provide written documentation of test from the summer camp, the test may be used for the Troop 54 annual swim test requirement..
Individual Swim Tests
Scouts or adults may locate a Red Cross Certified lifeguard to administer the swim test using the official Scouting America form. You must include a copy of the lifeguard’s certification when submitting your results.
- Jewish Community Center (JCC) ($) Call James Browning, Director of Aquatics, at jbrowning@erjcchouston.org or 713-595-8161 ext. 3272 to schedule. 5601 South Braeswood Blvd. Houston, TX 77096. Note the pedestrian entrance is on Atwell Drive, not S. Braeswood.
- Trotter YMCA ($) Call (713) 781-1061 for dates and availability. 1331 Augusta Dr, Houston, TX 77057.
- Gigglin’ Marlin ($) Call 281-445-3483 to confirm lifeguard availability and schedule a time. 4502 Almeda Road Houston, TX 77004. Important – Gigglin’ Marlin is not an authorized counselor for any merit badges. You may use them for swim tests only.
- Dad’s Club ($) Call for dates and availability. 1006 Voss Rd, Houston, TX 77055
If you get a swim test done outside the annual Troop 54-administered swim test, return a copy of the completed form to the Scoutmaster, scoutmaster@troop54houston.org and Committee Chair, tcc@troop54houston.org, to update your records.