Scouts and Parents,

This week, we will be visiting the Ryde Swimming Pool to mark off Aquatics OAS 1-3 and also refresh our water rescue skills. 

Note: We are meeting on a Wednesday, there is no Scouts this Thursday.

Note 2: This is not a learn to swim activity. If your Scout cannot swim, they can still attend and be in the shallow spaces at the pool complex but they will not be marked off of their OAS levels and there will not be any dedicated Leader supervision. Supervision provided by the Swimming Pool lifeguards will be available. Parental supervision is welcome.

The aim for the event would be to mark off the following Aquatics related practical skills. These are not mandatory, the Scout can decide which levels they want to try for and when they want to chill out instead.

Aquatics - OAS 1

• I can float for 15 seconds and glide for five metres on my front and back without assistance.
• I can swim 10 metres (any stroke) without assistance.
• I can get an object off the bottom of a pool in chest-deep water.
• I can practice signalling for help in the water.
• I have tried two swimming strokes.

Aquatics - OAS 2

• I can put on a PFD by myself.
• I can swim with my head in the water.
• I can swim 25 metres (any stroke) without assistance.
• I can tread water for 30 seconds.
• A short snorkelling activity.

Aquatics - OAS 3

• I can put on and fit a PFD while in the water and use the Heat Exposure Lessening Position (HELP) and huddle positions.
• I can swim 50 metres in a pool (using any stroke).
• I can jump feet first into water that is above my head, then swim at least 25 metres without kicking off from a side or wall.
• I can show three ways to rescue someone who has fallen into the deep water and can't swim.
• I can tread water for 1 and a half minutes.

If time permits, for those that want to or are able to we could also try for OAS 4

• I can swim 25 meters fully clothed before removing the clothes without touching the bottom of an open body of water.
• I can perform a rescue drill in the water.
• I can tread water continuously for 3 minutes.
• I can put on and remove a PFD in deep water.
• I can recognise other signs of a person with difficulty in water including vertical body position, gasping for air, ineffective or lack of limb movements, or remaining submerged.
• I have demonstrated using a buoyancy aid to support a tired swimmer and then towed the patient, maintaining clear airways.

📅 Activity Details

Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Start Time: 6:45 pm (15mins early to sort out entry and change into swimmers etc)
Finish Time: 9:00 pm

Location:
Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
504 Victoria Rd, Ryde NSW 2112

💲 Cost & Payment Details

Cost: $10 per Scout, please make payment as per below to the Ermington Scouts Bank account.

BSB 032280

ACCT 180160

Please include the reference Swim {Scout name} e.g. Swim NimoFish so that we can correctly allocate the payment.

🚗 Transport

Parents are to transport Scouts to and from the activity.

👕 What to Wear

• Swimmers with Scout shirt or the Ermington activity shirt on top
• Water shoes, thongs, crocs, slippers - just wear something that you dont mind getting wet!

🎒 What to Bring

A small backpack containing:

• Goggles
• Water bottle
• Towel
• Normal clothes that you can get wet in (i.e. wear in the pool for water rescue) 
• Change of clothes
• Snacks

📞 Activity Contacts

Activity Coordinator:
Devashi (Chewie) – 0433 577 382

Emergency Contact (on the day):
Karen Andrews – 0408 986 339