Northrand children achieve swimmer, aquanaut badges
"Through Scouting, we’re giving young people the skills to stay safe and look out for others."
Twenty-five children aged seven to 11 years old from the Northrand District achieved an important milestone when they earned their swimmer and aquanaut badges as part of the 2026 Scouting National Challenge: Be Water Safe.
The event was held on March 23, centred around Human Rights Day (March 21) and World Water Day (March 22).
According to Mandy Kojetin of the Northrand District of Scouts South Africa, a powerful message was reinforced: while access to water is a basic human right, knowing how to stay safe around it is a life-saving skill every child should have.
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To earn the swimmer badge, Cubs demonstrated essential swimming abilities, including swimming set distances, floating, and safe water entry and exit.
The aquanaut badge required a deeper understanding of water safety, including identifying hazards in pools, rivers, and dams, and responding safely in emergencies.These achievements form part of a national initiative focused on awareness, preparedness, and responsibility, equipping young people with practical skills to protect themselves and others.
“Human Rights Day reminds us that every child has the right to safety and protection. Through Scouting, we’re giving young people the skills to stay safe and look out for others. If you want your child to build confidence, learn life-saving skills, and be part of something meaningful, we invite you to join one of our 13 Scout Groups across the Northrand District,” said Andrew Campbell, Northrand District Commissioner.
With South Africa facing high drowning rates, early education remains critical.
Through initiatives like Be Water Safe, Scouts are helping to build a generation that is more aware, prepared, and capable around water.
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The Northrand District continues to roll out the challenge across all age groups, reinforcing water safety as an essential life skill and a shared community responsibility.
The Northrand District is one of the most dynamic districts of Scouts South Africa, serving communities across northeastern Johannesburg. Spanning from Hillbrow to Harmelia Gardens, the district brings together young people aged 5 to 30 through the Meerkat, Cub, Scout, and Rover sections.
Currently, 13 groups operate across the Northrand District, supporting hundreds of young people each week through a programme built on adventure, leadership, and service.
Activities range from camping, hiking, and outdoor skills to first aid, environmental projects, community outreach, and structured badge work aligned to the national advancement programme.
The Northrand Scout Groups include: First Bedfordview Scout Group, Bertrams Scout Group, Cutty Sark Scout Group, Dlala Nje, Eastleigh Sea Scouts, First Edenvale Scout Group, First Harmelia Gardens Air Scout Group, First Hellenic Scout Group, First Kengray Scout Group, Third Kensington Sea Scouts, Sao Jorge Scout Group, St Benedict’s Cub Pack and Sunshine Adventures.
