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The rules are fairly simply described below, but in a change from the past, a non-swimmer can wear a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket, suitable for the activity.
Should we identify non swimmers in some way?
There is going to be some debate about this, and it depends on age, but in 2nd we do tend to, Beavers may not notice that they are, but they are wearing a coloured sports bib over the buoyancy aid.
a. Members taking part in any water activity (those which take place on or in the water) must be able to demonstrate to a suitable person their ability to swim 50 metres in clothing and equipment appropriate to the activity (where a buoyancy aid or life jacket is worn for the activity this may be used for the demonstration) and keep afloat for five minutes. Anyone unable to meet these requirements is classified as a non-swimmer and must follow Rule 9.42(b).
b. A non-swimmer may take part in water activities, at the discretion of the person in charge, only if certain precautions are taken;
any non-swimmer must wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid of approved design and be in the charge of an adult (this does not apply for swimming, paddling or activities near water).
there must be no more than one non-swimmer in any craft, unless a one-to one ratio is maintained (one competent adult to one non-swimmer).
in the case of single-handed craft this should only be on C or B1 Waters (see Rule 9.44 (b)) with supervision on a one-to-one basis (one competent adult to one non-swimmer).
Where non-swimmers are taking part in swimming activities (as defined in Rule 9.50) they must be under the direct supervision of an adult in the water. This must not exceed two non-swimmers to one adult.
c. The above conditions do not apply when below decks, protected in larger vessels or when using recognised forms of public transport.
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