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Activities U - Z
Welcome to the Activities U - Z Safety Activity Checkpoints page, designed to help you prepare for your next Girl Scout adventure. To access specific guidelines and requirements, simply select your intended activity from the accordion list below. Once an activity is expanded, you will find the detailed Safety Activity Checkpoints and a downloadable PDF to ensure a safe and successful experience for your troop.
Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, and Towed Tubing
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
|
|
J |
C |
S |
A |
Yes |
Yes |
Ride the waves, feel the rush! Whether you're carving across the water on skis, catching air on a wakeboard, or laughing through every splash on a tube, towed water sports bring nonstop thrills and endless fun. Hang on tight!
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, and Towed Tubing
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Note: Refer to the Tubing (Floating) SAC for floating tube experiences.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Find safe places to go waterskiing, wakeboarding, or towed tubing.
- Flat, open bodies of water, such as lakes, bays, and wide rivers, are ideal. Do not use ocean sites without explicit council approval.
- Contact camps or schools—like those listed by USA Water Ski and Wake Sports—about lessons or programs.
- Beginners should start on flat water with little current, in light to moderate wind conditions.
- Stay clear of areas with low power lines.
☐ Identify an expert/instructor and boat driver.
- Arrange for instruction by an adult with experience teaching and supervising towed water sports for the ages involved.
- Engage a certified instructor with training suited to your location and conditions. Consider the following training:
- USA Water Ski coach or instructor certification
- Documented experience per your council’s guidelines
- Confirm boat driver qualifications. Boat drivers must be at least 21 years of age, have an appropriate license, and be skilled in operating the watercraft.
- Follow the instructor–student ratios for which your instructor is qualified. Ratios may vary. When uncertain, follow a ratio of two instructors per five skiers. There should always be at least two people in the towing boat.
☐ Confirm responsibilities with the boat owner. If using a privately owned boat, ensure that:
- The owner is a knowledgeable adult with an understanding of Girl Scout standards
- The vessel is maintained according to USCG and local regulations
- Required safety gear is available for all participants
- Insurance and registration are current
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear. See Gear for Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, and Towed Tubing at the end of this section. Discuss with participants and families well in advance what the group leader or facility will provide and what each person should bring themselves.
☐ Assess swimming ability. Strong swimming skills are key to success on the water. A swim assessment is highly recommended to evaluate participant readiness.
- Advance swim assessments are recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Same-day assessments may be conducted if necessary.
- If swim assessments are not feasible, assume all participants are non-swimmers.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Bring a first aid kit in a waterproof container.
☐ File a float plan for any trip.
- Provide a reliable adult with information about your boat(s) and the people aboard.
- This fillable float plan from the Coast Guard includes steps for your contact to take if they are concerned about your safety.
Day of the Activity
☐ Check the weather.
- Consult your instructor and postpone or cancel if weather is not favorable.
- Monitor for wind speed and gusts.
- Monitor sea state (waves and swells) or river conditions, as they change daily.
- Check water quality reports on the EPA’s How’s My Waterway? interactive map, especially after rainfall.
- Never go out on the water when thunderstorms are predicted.
- Use caution when currents, dam releases, or tidal action are present.
☐ Check the site for hazards.
- Point out and avoid hazards such as strainers, sieves, hydraulics, waterfalls, bridges, dams, fences, and low power lines.
- Surf zones, rapids, and standing waves must be avoided.
☐ Check equipment. Ensure the tow boat, life jackets, skis, wakeboards, and tubes appear to be in good condition.
☐ Ensure everyone learns and practices the basics. Start with a dry-land lesson to demonstrate skills and rules, then practice on the water.
- Skills:
- Communication with the spotter, including hand signals and signaling for help
- Safety rules for the conditions or equipment used
- Spotter responsibilities
- Keeping track of participants on a list or checkboard system
- Launching and landing techniques
- Body positioning
- When to release the towline
- Rules:
- Only one skier, wakeboarder, or tuber at a time.
- Stay behind the boat (no curving around to the side or outside the wake unless advanced).
- No aerial or acrobatic tricks.
- Never linger near running engine exhaust, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
☐ Ensure driver follows safety standards.
- Follows right-of-way rules
- Never pulls more than one tube or skier at a time
- Maintains safe speed
- Throttles down immediately after a fall
- Shuts down motor before riders swim up to the boat, and when riders are getting into the water or on the tube
- Avoids obstacles like docks or pilings and keeps whip/swing of towed people in mind
☐ Prepare for emergencies.
- Discuss emergency action plans with your instructor.
- Know who to contact and how to call for help.
- Be aware of your location to communicate effectively with authorities.
- Gear for Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, and Towed Tubing
- Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a safe and successful waterskiing, wakeboarding, or towed tubing experience.
Essential equipment
- Towing boat with:
- Sufficient power to tow
- Side-angle rearview mirror
- For skiing:
- Ski (tow) lines, at least 75 feet long, with a single handle
- Wakeboard or round-tipped skis that are appropriate for the skill and size of the user
- Foot bindings sized to the user and towing speed
- For tubing:
- Tube designed for towing with a secure tow harness or strap
- Tow rope between 50 and 75 feet long
Safety gear
- Coast Guard–approved life jacket, properly sized and fitted for each person
- Rescue whistle
- Water ski flag
- Throwable personal flotation device (Type IV cushion, ring buoy, or equivalent) available for each group on the water
- Throw bag
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher, paddle, horn, bailing device, two gas tanks, mooring lines, and any other items required by USCG regulations
Clothing and footwear
- Swimwear
- Neoprene booties (no flip-flops or loose water shoes)
- Wetsuit if the water temperature is below 70°F
- Gloves
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
Whitewater Rafting
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Amb. |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
|
River Class I–II |
River Class I–III |
River Class I–IV |
River Class I–IV |
River Class I–IV |
Yes |
Yes |
Feel the rush of the river and take in breathtaking scenery while whitewater rafting. Challenge yourself, work as a team, and navigate the rapids with the help of a trained guide for an unforgettable adventure!
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Learn More
- Urge all participants to take ACA’s free online paddlesports safety course.
- Learn how to read whitewater in Boreal River’s fascinating Hydrology 101 video.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Whitewater Rafting
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Find a safe place to go whitewater rafting.
- Refer to the program grade level chart (above) for acceptable whitewater classes for your group.
- Match skill levels with river conditions by understanding the American version of the International Scale of River Difficulty.
- American Whitewater has an interactive map of rated rivers. Raft only on rivers that have been run and rated.
☐ Identify a professional guide.
- Ensure instruction is provided by a qualified adult with experience teaching and supervising rafting for the ages involved, and who subscribes to the American Whitewater Safety Code.
- Confirm that the guide’s training matches the location and conditions. Certifications may include:
- American Canoe Association (ACA)—Rafting Level 4 or higher
- International Rafting Federation (IRF) Guide certification
- Swiftwater Rescue Training
- Documented experience per your council’s guidelines
- Whitewater rafting outfitters will supply trained guides for the trip.
- Maintain proper instructor–student ratio, per the guide’s certification, with a maximum of 6 learners per instructor. An ACA instructor with a qualified assistant may supervise up to 12 learners.
- Ensure guides have firsthand knowledge of the hazards and conditions at the packrafting location.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear.
- Review Gear for Whitewater Rafting at the end of this section.
- Ask your instructor or outfitter what items are provided.
- Communicate early with participants and families about what the group leader or outfitter will provide and what individuals need to bring themselves.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Ensure that a first aid kit in a waterproof container will be on hand.
☐ Assess swimming ability. Strong swimming skills are important for paddlers’ safety and confidence. A swim assessment is highly recommended to evaluate participant readiness.
- Advance swim assessments are recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Same-day assessments may be conducted if necessary.
- If swim assessments are not feasible, assume all participants are non-swimmers.
Day of the Activity
☐ Check the weather.
- Consult your instructor; postpone or cancel if conditions are unsuitable for your group’s skill level.
- Review what to do in a sudden storm.
- Monitor river conditions and dam releases. Check with the outfitter and/or local water authority about the dam(s) on your route.
☐ Check boats for condition. Make sure air chambers appear secure and gear appears complete and well-maintained.
☐ Check the site. Ask the guide about avoiding hazards such as strainers, sieves, hydraulics, waterfalls, bridges, dams, fences, and low power lines.
☐ Ensure everyone learns and practices the basics.
- Proper body position and balance
- Launching, entering the raft, and landing techniques
- Guide’s commands for body movement and paddle strokes
- Maneuvering through waves and wakes
- What to do in case of capsizing or falling overboard:
- How to float through the rapids
- How to breathe while in rapids
- How to swim to safety
- Staying away from strainers, downed trees, holes, and other dangers
- Not attempting to stand in fast-moving water—if your foot wedges on the bottom, fast water can push you under and keep you there
- Signaling for help
- Any site-specific instructions
☐ Prepare for emergencies.
- Discuss emergency action plans with your instructor.
- Know who to contact and how to call for help.
- Be aware of your location to communicate effectively with authorities.
- Whitewater Rafting Trips: Additional Considerations
- Whitewater rafting trips are longer excursions. Plan trips only after progressive skill-building experiences. Follow these additional tips for a safe and satisfying experience.
☐ Ensure basic skills.
- Participants must have the skill and stamina to finish the trip, even if headwinds or other challenges arise.
- Participants must learn universal signals.
☐ File a float plan for any trip.
- Provide a reliable adult with information about your boat(s) and the people aboard.
- This fillable float plan from the Coast Guard includes steps for your contact to take if they are concerned about your safety.
☐ Use a professional guide with the additional training needed for the trip type. Guiding on river, whitewater, coastal, touring, and open water (ocean) trips are advanced certifications.
☐ Do not exceed capacity or overload boats with gear.
☐ Keep boats close enough together so that a group decision can be made if wind or water conditions change.
☐ Be aware of possible changes in water level due to tides or dam releases, and how these may impact your route.
☐ See the additional gear needed for trips under Gear for Whitewater Rafting. Consult your guide about what else may be needed.
Gear for Whitewater Rafting
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a safe and successful whitewater rafting experience.
Individual and group essentials
Essential equipment
- Raft, suited to group size and water conditions, that meets the following criteria:
- Is constructed of durable material with at least four air compartments
- Has an adequate number of large D-rings securely attached to the sides
- Has snug hand lines along the sides
- Does not exceed the capacity of people or gear
- Properly sized paddles (including spares)
- Bailing scoop or foot pump to remove water from hull (not needed for self-bailing boats)
Safety gear
- Coast Guard–approved life jackets, properly sized and fitted for each person (required)
- Helmet, properly fitted, when rafting in Class II or higher conditions
- Rescue whistle
- Throwable personal flotation device (Type IV cushion, ring buoy, or equivalent) available for each group on the water
- Tow line, throw bag, and/or other rescue gear (carried by the guide)
- Hull repair kit and air pump
Clothing and footwear
- Layered, non-cotton clothing; rash guards and board shorts are ideal when air and water are warm.
- Water shoes, neoprene booties, or non-slip sport sandals with a heel strap (no flip-flops or loose water shoes)
- Wetsuit or drysuit if the water temperature is below 70°F
- Paddling gloves for comfort and grip
- Eyeglass keepers or goggles for those who need them
Gear for trips
- Consult your expert about what to bring in addition to the gear listed above and how to secure it in the boat. They may recommend items such as:
- Navigation items, such as GPS or a compass
- Communication devices, such as two-way, satellite, or weather/VHF radios
- Dry bags (and a way to secure them) to carry food, extra clothing, first aid kit, etc.
- Tool/repair kit: duct tape, tools, spare rope, etc.
- Emergency equipment, such as a signaling mirror, tarp, space blanket, extra clothing and food, matches, flashlight, etc.
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
Windsurfing
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
|
|
J |
C |
S |
A |
Yes |
Yes |
Combine the excitement of surfing with the skill of sailing! Windsurfing (or sailboarding) connects you to the wind and water while building balance and coordination.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Learn More
Take a very “quick” look at the anatomy of a windsurfer.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Windsurfing
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Find a safe place to windsurf.
- Windsurfing can be done on fresh or salt water.
- Beginners should start on flat water with light to moderate wind blowing toward shore, ideally in waist- to chest-deep water.
- A soft bottom (such as sand or mud) is best. Avoid areas with sharp rocks, as falls are inevitable.
- Stay clear of areas with low power lines.
☐ Identify a qualified expert.
- Arrange for instruction by an adult with experience teaching and supervising windsurfing for the ages involved.
- Consider the following qualifications:
- US Windsurfingc certification
- Windsurfing Instructors and Programs Association (WIPA) certification
- Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety Course
- Equivalent certification or documented experience according to your council’s guidelines
- Follow the instructor–student ratios for which your instructor is certified.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear. See Gear for Windsurfing at the end of this section. Discuss with participants and families well in advance what the group leader or outfitter will provide and what each person should bring themselves.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Bring a first aid kit in a waterproof container.
☐ Assess swimming ability. Strong swimming skills are important for windsurfers’ safety and confidence. A swim assessment is highly recommended to evaluate participant readiness.
- Advance swim assessments are recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Same-day assessments may be conducted if necessary.
- If swim assessments are not feasible, assume all participants are non-swimmers.
Day of the Activity
☐ Check the weather.
- Monitor wind speed and direction. High or offshore winds (blowing from shore toward the water) should be avoided for beginners.
- Monitor surf. Consult your expert. Only experienced windsurfers will be safe and successful in surf.
- Check water quality reports on Surfrider’s interactive map, especially after rainfall.
☐ Ensure everyone learns the basics.
- Proper body position on the board
- Pulling up the mast
- Catching the wind, tacking, and jibing
- Falling safely and climbing back on the board
- Staying with the board when resting
- Securing the sail and paddling or walking back when exhausted
- Signaling for help
☐ Follow windsurfing right-of-way norms.
- Yield to human-powered watercraft (kayaks, canoes) and swimmers.
- Expect powered watercraft and kiteboarders to yield, but stay alert and sail defensively to prevent accidents.
- Stay clear of large vessels (ferries, ships) that cannot maneuver easily.
- Ask your instructor to explain additional right-of-way rules.
☐ Prepare for emergencies.
- Discuss emergency action plans with your instructor.
- Know who to contact and how to call for help.
- Be aware of your location to communicate effectively with authorities.
Gear for Windsurfing
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a safe and successful windsurfing experience.
Essential equipment
- Sail and boom sized appropriately for the participant and conditions
- Board with good deck traction and a suitable hull for the water surface
- Daggerboard and/or fin(s) for directional control and stability
- Uphaul line for sail management
Safety gear
- Coast Guard–approved life jacket, properly sized and fitted for each person
- Throwable personal flotation device (Type IV cushion, ring buoy, or equivalent) available for each group on the water
Clothing and footwear
- Wetsuit recommended if the water temperature is below 65°F
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
Zip Lining
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
* |
* |
J |
C |
S |
A |
Yes |
Yes |
*Daisies may participate in playground zip lining. Daisies and Brownies may not participate in canopy zipline tours.
Experience the thrill of zip lining! Soar through the air between trees, over a gorge, or above a cityscape for the adventure of a lifetime. Zip lining offers breathtaking views and a whole new perspective on the world around you.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Zip Lining
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Note: Zip lines can be part of a challenge course, often in combination with other activities. See Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs) for these related elements:
- Challenge Courses
- Climbing, Bouldering, and Rappelling (including artificial climbing walls)
- Recreational Tree Climbing
Key Terms
- Backyard zip lines: Self-constructed zip lines are never permitted in a Girl Scout setting. Zip lines must be professionally engineered and maintained.
- Canopy zip line tours: A series of treetop elements that may include climbing, aerial walkways, bridges, zip lining, and rappelling. Make sure the operator and facilitator meet standards for each element.
- Playground zip lines: Participants hold on to a handle or sit on a seat, traversing a short distance on a track. Low to the ground, these zip lines are found in playgrounds and recreational venues. All Girl Scouts are permitted to use them, and approval is not required.
- Zip lines: Participants wear a helmet and harness. The harness is tied into a “truck” that glides along a long cable. Gravity pulls the participant down the cable to a landing zone. Typical zip lines are launched from a platform accessed by a ladder, staircase, or climbing wall. Ask the operator about access if mobility is a concern.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Find a safe place to go zip lining.
- Check local camps—including those operated by your council, universities, and private facilities—to see if a zip line is available.
- Seek out accredited facilities. Ask facilities you’re considering, or find listings from these organizations:
- Zip lines must have written documentation schedules that include:
- Periodic inspections of structures and equipment by qualified outside professionals
- Use logs for all equipment that is subject to stress, wear, or deterioration
- A process for monitoring and retiring equipment once it reaches the end of its useful life
☐ Identify a qualified facilitator. Professionally run zip lining facilities provide facilitators. Ask about their qualifications and practices.
- Training and certification. Ensure the facilitator has training in:
- Equipment maintenance
- Safety and rescue techniques
- Proper setup
- Facilitation experience with the age group
- Recognized certifications include:
- ACCT Level 1 or higher
- Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
- Documented experience per council guidelines
- Strict supervision. Ensure the following:
- Facilitators clip or tie zip liners to a safety line before they enter the launch platform.
- Facilitators allow only the next zip liner (or in pairs if using a double zip line) onto the launch platform at one time.
- Facilitators check with zip liners before launching.
- A minimum of two trained facilitators are always present.
- A facilitator is stationed at the landing zone to offload, and signals to the top when it’s safe to launch the next zip liner.
- The facilitator has firsthand knowledge of hazards, conditions, and emergency action plans for the area.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear.
- Review Gear for Zip Lining at the end of this section.
- Ask your facilitator what items are provided.
- Communicate early with participants and families about what the group leader or outfitter will supply and what individuals need to bring themselves.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Ensure that a first aid kit will be on hand.
Day of the Activity
☐ Check the weather.
- Consult your facilitator; postpone or cancel if conditions are unsuitable.
- Review procedures for sudden storms.
- Never zip line when lightning threatens.
- Stop the activity if precipitation or cold weather reduces traction or grip.
☐ Ensure everyone learns and practices the basics.
- Proper fitting of helmets, harnesses, and gear
- Body positioning, especially where (and where not) to put hands
- Readiness and action commands for launching and landing
- Safe spotting techniques for group activities
- Objectives and safety reminders
- Off-limits areas, such as the landing zone for observers
☐ Confirm facilitator safety checks. Checks may include:
- Inspecting equipment before each use
- Maintaining a use log for gear subject to wear, stress, or deterioration
- Supervising helmet and harness fit for each participant
- Overseeing all tie-ins, belays, and climbs
Gear for Zip Lining
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a safe and successful zip lining experience.
Essential equipment
- Harness, properly fitted and sized for the user.
- Belay devices and other hardware if high climbing is part of zip line access.
- Gloves designed for the activity
Safety gear
- Helmet, properly fitted, is required unless the zipline has been specifically designed for use without helmets.
- Rescue equipment must be available for use by the facilitator in an emergency.
Clothing and footwear
- Sturdy shoes
- Close-fitting, layered clothing to adjust for weather
- Hair, clothing, or jewelry secured if it could be caught in equipment
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
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