Boy Scouts seeks stronger swimming, water survival training for youth

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) is looking to strengthen swimming and water survival training for its members as part of efforts to improve youth preparedness and safety.

The proposal is expected to be discussed during the organization’s upcoming national meeting, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara said Thursday during the launch of the World of Scouting: Heritage and Adventure Camp in Makati City.

The discussions come following the recent deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in Aurora, which renewed attention on water safety and preparedness during outdoor and recreational activities.

“Hindi natin kontrolado ang lahat ng pagsubok na maaaring kaharapin ng ating mga kabataan, ngunit maaari natin silang ihanda. Ang kaalaman sa kaligtasan at survival ay maaaring maging pagkakaiba sa pagitan ng panganib at pag-asa, at minsan, sa pagitan ng buhay at kamatayan,” Angara said.

(We cannot control every challenge that young people may face, but we can prepare them. Knowledge of safety and survival can mean the difference between danger and hope, and sometimes between life and death.)

Angara said schools should help equip learners not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills to respond to emergencies and other real-life situations.

He also cited the actions of teachers during the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on June 8, noting that many educators immediately prioritized their students' safety.

“Before they became instructors, they became protectors. Before they checked on things, they checked on children,” he said.

The DepEd Secretary serves as ex officio national president and chairperson of the BSP.

Angara said the DepEd continues to strengthen programs related to disaster preparedness, emergency response, child protection, and mental health.

According to Angara, scouting remains an important partner in helping develop discipline, leadership, service, and preparedness among Filipino youth.

The BSP has yet to announce specific proposals that may emerge from the discussions on swimming and water survival training.—LDF, GMA News