LITTLE DUCK SCOUT: MARSH & WATER ADVENTURES

Have you ever visited a marsh? It's a magical watery world where the land is squishy, tall grasses called cattails wave in the wind, and the air is full of bird songs! Marshes are the favorite neighborhood of DUCKS and GEESE — birds that love water the way fish do.

Ducks are amazing. Their feathers are waterproof — water rolls right off, like rain off a raincoat! Their feet work like paddles for swimming. And twice every year, many ducks fly on a super long trip called MIGRATION — some travel farther than you could drive in days and days, following the seasons like feathery travelers.

Duck hunters love marshes at sunrise, when mist floats on the water and the whole world glows golden. But water neighborhoods have their own special safety rules — different from the woods! This course teaches you the water rules, so someday you can enjoy the marsh's magic safely.

Here comes the biggest water rule of all — bigger than all the others put together: NEAR THE WATER OR ON A BOAT, YOUR LIFE JACKET IS ON. Zipped, buckled, snug. Every time. That's the Life Jacket Promise, and every water explorer makes it.

Why is it such a big deal? Because a life jacket is like a hug that holds you up in the water. Even amazing swimmers wear them — because surprises happen fast on the water, and a life jacket does the floating for you, no matter what. Look at the picture: see the bright orange life vest with the gear? It's the most important thing on that whole dock!

A life jacket only works if it fits. Snug like a good hug — not so loose it slips up over your ears when a grown-up lifts gently at the shoulders. Grown-ups check the fit, and kids do their part: keeping it zipped and buckled without being reminded. That's how little water scouts show they're ready for big water adventures!