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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Scout camp plans excluding weak swimmers

133 replies

LostMySocks · 17/09/2023 20:27

DS scout group have announced a summer camp....surf camp. They have also linked the camps to getting the Gold award.
DD is a weak swimmer. No way should he be in the sea as there is a real risk that he will get into trouble. There doesn't seem to be an alternative plan even though there are younger children joining before summer. I'm assuming they won't all be super swimmers. I know they are all volunteers but this seems short sighted as a supposedly inclusive organisation. DS is very upset at the idea of not going but I don't want to pay for him to sit on a beach.

OP posts:

Original poster

LostMySocks · 17/09/2023 20:27

Sorry have accidentally typed DD in the middle not DS ...

OP posts:

user1846385927482658 · 17/09/2023 20:29

Have they said anything about non-swimmers?

Oysterbabe · 17/09/2023 20:29

How old is he? He could have a lot of swimming lessons by next summer.

Motherofacertainage · 17/09/2023 20:29

It's run by volunteers. If you don't like what they are planning, how about getting involved and running a trip yourself? They're always looking for more helpers.

winewolfhowls · 17/09/2023 20:32

Not all activities will suit all kids.

At least you have got advance warning so you could get swimming lessons in before the summer.

I'm sure that they won't be going deep and probably very well supervised . Maybe ask older scouts about it if they have been before?

Original poster

LostMySocks · 17/09/2023 20:32

This is their summer camp linked to the achievement award for their section and he loves camping. But this is potentially risky. If it was an optional day activity then fine not to do it.
I'd like to see them offer something different for the weaker swimmers. Maybe rock climbing. Remember this is the cohort who have missed 2 years of swimming lessons due to Covid

OP posts:

littleducks · 17/09/2023 20:33

Any chance you could improve his swimming before summer?

I don't know how I feel about this really. The rules are able to swim 50m for water activities how far off that is he?

gogomoto · 17/09/2023 20:34

Not all activities suit all, climbing doesn't suit those who are afraid of heights, walking isn't good for those with physical disabilities.

You can wear a life jacket surfing anyway.

winewolfhowls · 17/09/2023 20:34

Surely rock climbing is also risky?!

gogomoto · 17/09/2023 20:35

Scouts are 10 and up, just go swimming a few times, doesn't take long to be able to learn older

Hellocatshome · 17/09/2023 20:35

I'm not being flippant but you actually don't need to be able to swim to surf.

You are tethered to the board so you lie on the board paddle out, attempt to stand up, fall in, reach for the board which will be at max 2 meters from you and you can pull it towards you with the leash, get back on the board, repeat.

Also wetsuits add a significant amount of buoyancy. I would speak to the organisers before discou ting this activity for weak swimmers.

Fluffycloudsblusky · 17/09/2023 20:35

There is plenty of time until summer to improve swimming ability . Unless your DC has a disability that prevents him from being a strong swimmer.
You could also become an adult helper and offer an alternative activity if you are seriously concerned.

MaggieBsBoat · 17/09/2023 20:36

Go swimming.
I’ve had to start today with my DD as she missed out on swimming due to Covid. We swam today for half a km and it was good for both of us.
They can’t cater for everything and everyone. They’re volunteers.

Noodledoodledoo · 17/09/2023 20:36

Get him some swimming lessons, my eldest is 9 and has learnt to swim post covid - can now do 100m and only started Oct 2020.

Ask if they have a provision for non swimmers but you have 11 months.

user1846385927482658 · 17/09/2023 20:37

What are they actually offering though?

Five days of 8 hours per day in the sea? Or an hour per day amidst other activities he can participate in?

Teeheehee1579 · 17/09/2023 20:38

If he can’t do something then help him learn to do it. He has 9 months so of course he can. This notion that there should be something else put on/they shouldn’t do it drives me nuts. If your son wants to do it then he needs to learn to swim end of.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 17/09/2023 20:39

Have you spoken to the leaders or are you jumping to conclusions!@LostMySocks

continentallentil · 17/09/2023 20:39

He has a year to learn to swim

It’s a vital skill OP…

Lavender14 · 17/09/2023 20:40

I think as long as your child isn't in too deep and is wearing a life jacket and is supervised by staff then I think they'll be OK. I'm not a super strong swimmer but I have been surfing before. A lot is done on the beach first and then really they're likely going to be body boarding into shore than actually surfing. Your ds won't need to go out further than where he can stand up in the water. If you're worried I'd speak directly to the group leader and say you're worried and want to know how weak swimmers or non swimmers will be supported and kept safe. They'll have had to do a risk assessment for risk of drowning before booking the activity so they'll be able to tell you how this will be mitigated. I'd try to book them in some swimming lessons between now and then because it's a really good life skill to have regardless but it might put your mind at ease?

SilkenPilken · 17/09/2023 20:43

Any physical activity is not going to be inclusive by its very nature. Not everybody can do everything, but that doesn’t mean nobody should do these things.

Crumbcatcher · 17/09/2023 20:43

Swimming is a pretty basic life skill, perhaps he should concentrate on that rather than camping and awards?

meganorks · 17/09/2023 20:43

I've seen lots of groups of surfers on the beach this year having lessons (I'd say scout age). They are wearing wetsuits which are buoyant, plus life jackets and are in water you can stand up in on tiny waves. Plus, as someone pointed out, they are strapped to a surfboard they can cling onto and surrounded by adults helping. As well as all that, they are always on a beach with lifeguards who are watching everyone in the water, and looking out for dangerous water conditions.

I would let him do it. If you are really worried, get some extra swimming lessons - maybe an intensive course in one of the school holidays.

BadSkiingMum · 17/09/2023 20:44

With volunteer-led organisations like Scouts it will always be the case that the flavour of what’s on offer is steered by the skills and interests of the volunteers. I did a lot of water-sports as a Guide, because we weren’t too far from a river and there were local leaders who had that skillset, but absolutely zero walking and climbing. I’m sure other groups may have had the opposite experience.

They have to provide reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities, but it’s not like school and the chosen activities may not work for everyone.

enjoyingscience · 17/09/2023 20:46

Agree that learning to swim will set him up far far better than trying to make his scout group work around him.

it’s a skill for life and at his age, a weak swimmer will become stronger very quickly if you take him every week and get him some lessons.

mycoffeecup · 17/09/2023 20:47

Kids will be assessed for swimming ability, supervised, and be doing things appropriate to their ability. When surfing as a beginner you don't go in further than up to your waist/mid chest generally anyway. Chat to the leader, I'm sure they will reassure you.

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