The Swift Beach is the hub for all your aquatic activities.  Our aquatic staff are on site to help you have fun or get that tan.  Whether skiing, sailing, swimming, canoeing, rowing or kayaking, the beach is the place to be.

The Swim Test
On Sunday afternoon, after your crew arrives, you and your crew will go through our brief check-in.  A member of our staff, who serves as your campsite counselor for the week, will walk you through the process.

First, each person takes his or her medical form and goes through the medical recheck.  We'll check your form to make sure it is all in good order, review any medications that you take and ask if you have any concerns since your exam.

Your crew then goes down to the beach to visit with our aquatics director.  This member of our staff oversees all aquatic activities, including water skiing and sailing.  The director will go over the happenings in the Aquatics area for the week and tell you how you can take advantage of all the fun.

Then each camper and leader takes a swim test to qualify to swim and boat.

Learners -- no test

Beginners -- Jump feet-first into water, swim 25 feet, turn around and swim back.

Swimmers -- Jump in feet-first, swim 75 yards on your stomach or side. Then swim 25 yards on your back with your hands in the water (elementary backstroke).  Then float on your back.

Skiing and watercraft are used only by swimmers, so you'll want to pass the test.  If you don't pass it on Sunday, you can come down later in the week and arrange a test with the director.

Water Skiing
This is a highlight activity for Swift campers.  Most campers who come to Swift have never water skied.  It will be our job to teach you.  You and two of your friends sign up for a ski time the night before.  Then report to the boat docks.  We'll take you out, give you instruction and hopefully get you up for the time of your life.  At the least, you will get a great boat ride and a great view of the lake.

Sailing
Did you ever want to learn to sail?  It is hard to beat an afternoon out on the lake relaxing under full sail.  Learning to sail is a little tricky.  How do you get the boat to go against the wind?  But we will teach you the basics and bail you out if you have a problem.

To sail, first you must qualify as a swimmer.  All campers in watercraft must wear a PFD (personal flotation device -- a.k.a. lifejacket) at all times while in the craft.  This includes ski boats, canoes, rowboats and kayaks.

Water shoes can be helpful but are not required.  The first time you take out a sailboat, you must receive instruction from our staff.  We also recommend that you go out the first time with someone who has some experience (and if that person appears to have been on Baywatch, all the better).

Sailboats should remain within sight of our tower.  That way, if we see that you are experiencing any problems, we can have a power boat give you a hand.

We have a number of Sunfish-class Aqua-fins.  They have a single lateen sail, a removable daggerboard and a tiller.  How about those technical terms, matey?  What that means is they are designed for beginners.

For experienced sailors, we have a couple of larger catamarans.  Boy, do they fly!

If your Sea Scout ship or Venturer crew has its own sailboat, you are welcome to bring it to Swift.  Just visit with our aquatic director for the rules.

And don't forget the sunscreen, as the hours can float by when you are skimming through the water!