Understand the Requirements:

• Members must demonstrate competency in the water to participate in swimming or boating activities.
• Use the WA.2 form to document who has successfully completed the relevant test or shown proof of equivalency.

Demonstrating Competency:

• Option 1: Proof of Equivalency
  Members can show proof of having completed equivalent swim lessons as stated on the WA.2 form. This proof must be in the form of a document with the individual’s name. A badge is not acceptable.
• Option 2: Taking the Swim Test
  Members take the swim test with the appropriate Lifeguard and a Guider.

The Role of the Responsible Guider:

• Ensure testers are familiar with the testing requirements.
• Submit the WA.2 form to your Girl Guide office to update individuals’ information in the database.

Scheduling the Swim Test:

• Contact your local town’s swimming program to arrange a swim test.
• These tests are free of charge, though you will have to pay the usual entry fee for the public swim.
• The test is usually scheduled during a public swim, but arrangements must be made ahead of time.

Example Email for Scheduling:

   Subject: Scheduling Swim Tests for Girl Guides

   Dear [Local Town's Swimming Program Coordinator],

My name is [Your Name], with Girl Guides of Canada here in Holland Landing. 
I have some youth members ([give an age range]) who need a swim test before 
they can attend [activity]. Could you help me arrange a time to bring them 
in for the swim test? I have attached a copy of the swim test requirements 
for your reference.

   Thank you for your assistance!

   Best regards,
   Tara LeChasseur

• Attach the WA.2 form to provide the swim test requirements.

Informing Unit Members:

• Once the date is confirmed, inform your unit members and sign them up for the test.

On Test Day:

• After completing the tests, enjoy the rest of the public swim together. This makes it a great activity for a meeting!
• Don’t forget to submit the completed WA.2 form to your Girl Guide office to update individuals’ information in the database.
• It helps to keep your own record of which tests which members have completed, I recommend starting an spreadsheet for Quals your unit members have: Swim Tests, ORCKA certs, etc. This can really help when you are planning trips or events that involve qualified activities.

By following these steps, you can efficiently conduct a swim test for your unit, ensuring all members are prepared and qualified for upcoming water activities. Happy swimming!

When Should Swim Tests be Conducted?

I’ve conducted swim tests for girls from Sparks to Rangers, and I’ve found that the best time to do them is during Sparks and Embers is when they are actively taking swim lessons. Although they don’t usually need swim tests for activities at this level, this is when kids are gaining confidence and competency in the water. Remember, Swim Tests are permanent on iMIS: younger kids often have their Red Cross Swim Kids 3 Report Cards on hand, making it easier to assess their abilities. I’ve never met a Pathfinder or Ranger who has held on to their Swim Report Cards, so then they must take the Swim Test.

For Pathfinders and Rangers, who need these qualifications for various activities, we always conduct annual swim tests. Typically, we hold these for the senior sections in the summer or fall, while swim tests for Embers and Sparks are usually done in the spring. However, you can arrange swim tests at any time; just remember that it can take a few weeks to organize them, depending on the availability of your local Aquatics Managers.

By planning swim tests at the right times, we can ensure our girls are safe and prepared for all their aquatic adventures!