THE following unhappy story of a double drowning accident is given you because it emphasizes the very great need for protective training at this time of year when the lure of flowing water again begins to make itself felt.

Early in the morning on Saturday. March 25, seven Scouts of a mid-western Council left their homes to go on a Patrol hike. All carried packs. Late in the morning they decided to cross the river, and borrowed a boat owned by the father of one of their number. This crossing was made in two trips. Shortly after noon, five members of the Patrol, including the son of the owner of the boat, decided to return to the bank from which they started. The two others, including the Senior Patrol Leader, preferred to take a sun bath and wait for the second trip.

Packs belong in bottom of boat, not on shoulders when travelling, by water. Avoid overloading by making extra trips.

Overloaded

The five were evidently more of a load than the boat could safely carry under the conditions, for only four inches of the boat's sides, so it is stated, showed above water. A wind had kicked up considerable chop and before the boat had gone 100 feet, water started to slop over its upstream side. Sensing the danger, the oarsman decided to turn back and did so. On the way to shore the level of water in the boat gradually rose. Two of the Scouts, still with packs on their backs, became frightened and although the others tried to reassure them and told them to sit down and keep quiet, they became panic stricken and jumped overboard. In spite of the efforts made by those in the boat and the boys on the bank to save them, the weight of their packs quickly carried them under water. Their bodies were recovered some six hours later by searchers.

This is the first multiple tragedy that has occurred to Scouts on Scouting activities since March 23, 1929, when a cloudburst at Rock-wood, Tennessee took the lives of seven Scouts and a Scoutmaster. Outstanding in the Rockwood disaster, however, was the discipline of the 23 Scouts and Scouters involved and the consequent absence of panic, and it was this that made the saving of fifteen possible. Those boys were trained with elaborate care to keep cool under all conditions. In this more recent case the direct cause of the tragedy, it seems, was the total absence of protective judgment as a result of the frenzy which developed.

Although we do not have full details as yet, it seems evident that this tragedy might have been averted had the Scouts who died remained calm. Those who did stay with the boat had no difficulty in getting ashore. Even had the boat filled with water, it would easily have supported all its passengers, if they had hung onto the sides. Undoubtedly it would have been carried ashore by the current.

What To Do

We can all agree that we must seek every means for preventing such tragedies, but that won't do a bit of good unless we do something about it.

I would like to ask you to read this story to your Scouts at a Troop Assembly, and to develop a discussion which will make it possible for you to bring out some salient points on conduct while on or in the water, or around the shore front.

Referring directly to this case, please call their attention briefly to those precautions which, if taken, would no doubt have prevented the tragedy:

Five Precautions

FIRST-The number of boys who entered the boat should have been limited by the size of the boat, its condition and the weather at the time the trip was made. A wooden boat that has only been in the water one day (as was the case), is bound to leak somewhat because it has not had sufficient time to swell up. That means that fewer persons could be carried in it than under normal conditions - four in a twelve-foot boat at most.

SECOND-Packs. An ordinary pack will sink at once if thrown overboard. When equipped with blankets and objects containing air. they may float for some time. The place for packs when being transported by boat is not on Scouts' shoulders but in the bottom of the boat, where their weight tends to add security by lowering the center of gravity, as is the case when ballast is placed in the hold of any vessel.

THIRD-Tight riding breeches are not good leg cover while around water. Uniform shorts will not hold water or interfere with knee action and can be removed quickly.

FOURTH-There are many differences of opinion on how to teach and acquire self control and poise. Panic usually results from fears which are seldom justified. It seems to me that just about the most destructive force in life is fear because it so thoroughly demoralizes those who give themselves up to it.

If, as Emerson said, "Fear always springs from ignorance." then we can certainly allay the fears and misunderstandings of many Scouts, by imparting accurate knowledge and teaching safety skills. Training in orderly movement of Patrols and Troops makes the values of obedience stand out in clear relief only if its purpose is understood.

FIFTH-A wooden boat when completely filled with water will support more people holding on to its sides than could possibly occupy it sitting down. A six-foot canvas covered canoe full of water will support from eight to twelve persons, if they are content merely to hold on with their fingers and not try to climb aboard.

When a wooden boat is submerged, the crew should slide overboard, keep boat right side up, and hold on to its gunwales until help arrives.

The most complete information on water safety is contained in the book, Swimming, Water Sports and Safety, published by the Boy Scouts of America. It would be a great thing for Troop safety if it could be in every Troop library.