Dive! Dive! Dive!
You’ll need
- Access to water suitable for swimming
- Objects that float below the surface or sink in water
- A timer
- A non-permanent marker pen
Before you begin
- Gather a selection objects. Consider hoops, balls, wellies, pool bricks and batons.
- Use a pen to mark the bottom of the objects with a score (5, 10, 20, 50, 100).
Sink the treasure
- Throw the objects into the water where it is chest height or deeper.
- Everyone should split into small teams and line up in the water.
- Set a timer for five minutes.
- One person from each team should dive under the surface to retrieve an object of treasure. When they come up, they should swim to the side and put the treasure in their team’s area.
- When the time is up, each team should count up the scores on the treasure they collected. The team with the most points is the winner.
Reflection
This game was about being physically active and learning the skill of diving. How was diving different to swimming on the surface of the water? Did you find it easy or hard to hold your breath? Why might it be useful to learn how to dive?
This game was also about perseverance. If you weren't able to get an object first time, how did you change your tactics to get it? Why do you think it is important to persevere and not give up if a challenge is difficult?
Safety
All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
- Water games and activities
Be careful when doing activities with, in, or near water. Check surfaces and reduce the risk of slipping where possible. Make sure you have appropriate supervision for this activity.
You must always:
- Complete a risk assessment
- Have the right ratios of number of adults to provide suitable supervision
- Set up an InTouch process
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
- Get approval from your commissioner
Be safe in water:
Everyone should be able to swim 50 m wearing the clothing or equipment for the activity. Non-swimmers will need additional support.
Water can be dangerous - be aware of the risks.
The category of water depends on how safe the water is. Use our waterways directory to check.
Be sure to manage the group when near water, keeping everyone safe.
Use smaller or larger objects. Vary the depth of the activity to suit the skill level of the participants.
Use objects that are easier to grip or carry to suit those with less well-developed motor skills. Work in pairs or teams to collect the objects.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
Surface diving to a depth of 1.5 metres and touching the bottom when retrieving an object will qualify this activity for higher stages of the Swimmer Activity Badge.