As part of SCOUTS South Africa’s National Challenge ‘Be Water Safe’, young people across the country are developing vital life skills to keep themselves, and others, safe around water.

1st Benoni Sea Scouts recently put theory into practice when they took their Meerkat Den (children aged 5–6) from land to water—literally.

Under the guidance of trained and experienced leaders, the Meerkats climbed into the Group’s boats and experienced water safety first-hand on Homestead Lake in Arrowe Park! “We decided to include both requirements from the Water Safety Challenge and the Meerkat ‘raft builder interest badge’ into our programme, and I am happy to say that all our Meerkats got their interest badge,” explains Den Scouter Michelle Switala.

“We had so much fun on the gigs! Since we are Sea Scouts, we believe the Meerkats should be exposed to going on the boats to experience them safely. We spoke about water safety and the use of a lifejacket, and the safety rules about open bodies of water. They were asked all the important questions for the raft builder badge, they all wore lifejackets, and were all very well behaved on the water,” she adds with a grin.

The impact of this kind of experiential learning is clear, even among the youngest Scouts. Meerkats Alice and Harley shared: “We went on a boat, and it was a bit scary but then it was fun! We answered questions about lifejackets and how they keep you safe if you fall off the boat.”

Beyond the excitement, these moments build critical competencies like confidence, risk awareness, decision-making, and responsibility. They also reinforce an important reality which is that water safety is not optional.

“I love this year’s National Challenge,” continues Michelle. “There are so many children that just do not know how to swim, some of them don’t acknowledge this which could lead to drownings. I believe the younger we teach children about being safe around water, teach them how to swim, and teach them the dangers of being careless around water the better. We should also teach them that being in and around water is fun, but to be mindful of the dangers too.”

Later in the year the Scout District will continue this momentum by hosting a mini gala focused on water-based activities, further strengthening awareness and practical skills among its youth members.

The National Challenge 2026 ‘Be Water Safe’ is supported by the Jared Payne Foundation