BSA Lifeguard
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BSA Lifeguard | |||||
![]() This patch is not worn on the uniform. It is aquatic insignia and can be worn on swim trunks.
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![]() | This is the Boy Scout BSA Lifeguard Award. Boy Scouts can also earn the Lifesaving and Swimming merit badges. Venturers can work on the Lifesaver Ranger Award elective The Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards may be awarded at any level. |
![]() | See the Application For BSA Lifeguard, BSA No. 34435. |
BSA Lifeguard requirements | ![]() | ||
To be trained as a BSA Lifeguard, you must successfully complete the BSA Lifeguard course and demonstrate the ability to perform each of the skills taught in the course.
Before doing requirements 6 through 26, complete the following:
Complete the following requirements within a 120-day period:
10. Demonstrate an entry and front approach with a rescue tube to a conscious subject in deep water 30 feet away from shore. Position the rescue tube to support the subject and then assist the subject to safety, providing direction and reassurance throughout.
20. Participate in multiple-rescuer search techniques appropriate for a missing subject in murky water:
21. Demonstrate in-line stabilization for a face-down subject with suspected spinal injury in very shallow water (18 inches or less).
23. Demonstrate in-line stabilization for a suspected spinal injury in deep water, swim the subject to shallow water, confirm vital signs, and with the assistance of three others, remove the subject from the water using a backboard with straps and a head immobilization device.
25. Correctly answer 80 percent of the questions on the BSA Lifeguard knowledge test covering the course material. Review any incomplete or incorrect answers.
Course completion cards are valid only when signed by either a current BSA Aquatics Instructor or BSA Lifeguard Instructor approved by the local council. Training is valid for two years, provided First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer training are kept current during that period. There are five ways to obtain a course completion card:
View the change list (history) of these requirements. The text of these requirements may be locked. In that case, they can only be edited by an administrator. Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page. |
BSA Lifeguard Training Procedure
- Only those persons currently trained as BSA Aquatics Instructor or as BSA Lifeguard Instructor may train the completion of BSA
Lifeguard requirements.
- Training as BSA Lifeguard is valid for three years from the date of application.
- All requirements must be met. (See completion options.)
- The completed application is sent to the local council service center where BSA Lifeguard emblems may be purchased.
- To qualify for BSA Lifeguard, the candidate must complete the BSA Lifeguard course under the direction of either a BSA Lifeguard
Instructor or a BSA Aquatics Instructor. The course for the BSA Lifeguard is in the BSA Lifeguard Instructor Manual.
BSA Lifeguard Retraining
To renew BSA Lifeguard, a person who previously has a completion card can complete the regular BSA Lifeguard course, passing each of the requirements. Those whose BSA Lifeguard training is current or has expired within the past six months may renew or extend the training by “challenging” the course requirements without attending the standard class sessions. The instructor may provide a short review or skills recheck prior to the testing. Summer camp aquatics directors should renew training for aquatics staff members during pre-camp training while emphasizing local camp facilities, procedures and emergency action plan(s). See completion options under “BSA Lifeguard Requirements.”
Instructor's Responsibility
Scouts, Venturers, or adults who become trained BSA Lifeguards must be well-qualified and able to use their knowledge as a lifeguard in case of need without undue danger to themselves and with a reasonable chance of success. The instructors are responsible for the strict interpretation of requirements and the elimination of applicants who in their judgment are not qualified by strength, judgment, or ability to put their knowledge into practice as lifeguards.
The reputation of the instructors as experts depends to a great extent on the actual performance of those they qualify. Therefore, they should be certain that the candidate’s ability is, without doubt, of the highest caliber. It is expected that the BSA Lifeguard emblem and card will always stand for a very high standard of skill. The instructors to whom this responsibility is entrusted are expected to maintain that standard. For interpretation of requirements, see BSA Lifeguard Instructor Manual, No. 34519.
Requirement resources
- Swimming
- Your handbook is your primary reference. See Swimming Skills for step-by-step instructions and lesson video links.
- See also: Swimming & Lifesaving Merit Badge Pamphlets - Guide to Safe Scouting - Safe Swim Defense - Safety Afloat
Related awards
- Aquatic Awards Links
Aquatic-related awards
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Notes
While they are not prerequisites, the Lifesaving, Swimming, and First Aid merit badges provide many of the basic skills needed for BSA Lifeguard.
External links
- BSA Lifeguard
- Application For BSA Lifeguard, BSA No. 34435
- Safe Swim Defense
- Pool and Surf Swimming
- Classification of Swimming Ability
- Water Clarity
- Swimming Area
- Diving and Elevated Entry