SAFE Scouting
The Boy Scouts of America expects leaders to use four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program. This program ensures all participant’s safety. SAFE is a simple step-by-step process. A checklist to ensure you’re covering your bases when planning any scouting activity. SAFE is an acronym for Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and Skill, and Equipment and Environment. It was developed to replace the Sweet 16 of BSA Safety from the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Let’s walk through SAFE Scouting.
Supervision
Youth are supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety.
Assessment
Activities are assessed for risks during planning. Leaders have reviewed applicable program guidance or standards and have verified that the activity is not prohibited. Risk avoidance or mitigation is incorporated into the activity.
Fitness and Skill
Participants’ Annual Health and Medical Records are reviewed, and leaders have confirmed that prerequisite fitness and skill levels exist for participants to take part safely.
Equipment and Environment
Safe and appropriately sized equipment, courses, camps, campsites, trails, or playing fields are used properly. Leaders periodically check gear use and the environment for changing conditions that could affect safety.
So, next time when you are planning your activity, use the SAFE Scouting method to ensure you cover all your bases.
Included in the Safety Moment on SAFE Scouting are examples of actual incidents in Scouting where at least one of these four points was not followed. Please do not put participants at risk by ignoring these principles.
SAFE Checklist Landing Page: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safe/