Aquatic School

Aquatic School is a leadership program teaching Scouts and Venturers to be strong leaders, instructors of aquatics skills, and planners of unit aquatics activities.

It is much more than simply a “lifeguard school” — rather, it’s a leadership and skills development program that gives your Scouts or Venturers the skills needed to make them better instructors and better leaders.

Aquatic School graduates are taught the fundamentals of Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat, the principles of teaching a non-swimmer, planning skills for Unit swims and float plans, as well as aquatic first aid and emergency procedures. Graduates also learn and hone public speaking and presentation skills, and 16 Scouting knots. 

Established in 1954 with The Good Ships Blue Star and Barracuda, Aquatic School is the Longhorn Council’s oldest week-long leadership program for All Scouts ages 13-17. We want your Scout to become part of this great tradition!

This unique, challenging, and rewarding course has been the training ground for over six decades of Longhorn Council instructors & leaders.

Scouts are empowered by the Four Goals of Aquatic School while participating in Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Public Speaking merit badges. The Four Goals are:

1. Leadership Development
2. Skill Proficiency
3. Instructor Training, and
4. Time Management. 

Scouts not only learn these merit badges but become aquatic resources for our unit by learning how to teach these merit badges!

Scouts 15+ may earn BSA Lifeguard. CPR is not offered during Aquatic School. Scouts 15+ should come with a current CPR certification card to be signed complete for BSA lifeguard.

Cost is $365. Limited Camperships may be available, email chad.hay@scouting.org to request application.

All participants must pass a BSA swimmers test. For more information visit AquaticSchool.org

Aquatic School takes place July 9-15 at Worth Ranch. Click the button below to register.

REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 4

For more information visit www.aquaticschool.org and watch the video below.