# Boy Scouts and What They Do/Sea Scouts

Sea Scouts.
The impression left on one's mind by the display on the Edgbaston Reservoir by the Sea Scouts was that they would be useful lads to have about in case of misfortune at sea. They seem to know just what should be done in an emergency, and, further, just how to do it.
Within about two hours, one saw ships capsize, and their drowning crews rescued by swimmers and boats; lads fall overboard, and promptly pulled to safety and resuscitation, by fist aid; crews of sinking ships saved by the aid of the rocket apparatus, and the breeches buoy; and, to complete the programme, a combat for the possession of a whale. Indeed, a thoroughly comprehensive list of events.
The principal feature of the display, of course, was the inspection by the Chief Sea Scout. Admiral Lord Charles Beresford. Many who were unable to see much of the display expressed themselves content to have had a glimpse of the great sailor.
Lord Charles arrived at the Reservoir soon after four o'clock, and was enthusiastically cheered by a large crowd. He at once stepped into the motor launch Alert, and accompanied by Sir Robert Baden-Powell and other Scout officers, made a tour of the fleet, which was divided into three parties in different bays of the Reservoir.
He returned to land for tea, and at five o'clock set out again, accompanied in the launch by Sir Edmond Elles, Chief Commissioner; Lieutenant Hordern, R.N., and other Scout officers.
The launch took up its position in the centre of the Reservoir, and at the signal given by Sea Scout Helmn (a ​possessor of the coveted "Silver Wolf" decoration) the three divisions of the fleet closed in around the Chief Sea Scout. The scene was remarkable when Lord Charles Beresford stood in the stern of his launch and addressed the Sea Scouts, who clustered round in about fifty boats.
"I am very proud to be here, as Chief Sea Scout, to inspect you, to appreciate you, and to give you a few of the views which I hold with regard to the excellent institution which you have taken up," said Lord Charles. They must remember, he went on, that the inclination of all British people was towards the sea. The sea was our frontier, and we came from a race of sailors. These Scouts were tying to learn the tricks of the sea, and the tricks of the sea require independence of action, readiness, resource in time of danger.
They must always be ready and prepared, and always endeavour to help the weak. There was a great deal they could learn on such a piece of water as they were on that day, and one of the most important things was how to swim, so that they could save a comrade, if necessary.
"Remember all lives are precious," said the Chief Sea Scout, earnestly. "Do what you can to help people along in life, endeavour to help those who are weak, and those who are poor. Always be kind and sympathetic to those below you, and respectful to those above."
The Sea Scouts then gave ringing cheers for their distinguished chief, and rowed smartly back to their bays to commence operations.
The Chief Sea Scout took the keenest interest in the proceedings, and when he returned to the landing-stage he was enthusiastically cheered.
"They've done splendidly," he remarked to one of the Scout officers.
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The Sea Scouts’ Wireless Station.