Lifesaving

Lifesaving merit badge requirements

1. Before doing requirements 2 through 15

   a. Complete Second Class requirements 7a through 7c and First Class requirements 9a through 9c.

   Second Class requirements 7a through 7c

   7.a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.

   7.b. Demonstrate your ability to jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place.

   7.c. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible, and explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.

   First Class requirements 9a through 9c

   9.a. Tell what precautions should be taken for a safe trip afloat.

   9.b. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.

   9.c. With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and as rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water).

   b. Swim continuously for 400 yards using each of the following strokes in a strong manner for at least 50 continuous yards: front crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke.

2. Explain the following:

   a. Common drowning situations and how to prevent them.

   b. How to identify persons in the water who need assistance.

   c. The order of methods in water rescue.

   d. How rescue techniques vary depending on the setting and the condition of the person needing assistance.

   e. Situations for which in-water rescues should not be undertaken.

3. Demonstrate "reaching" rescues using various items such as arms, legs, towels, shirts, paddles, and poles.
4. Demonstrate "throwing" rescues using various items such as lines, ring buoys, rescue bags, and free-floating supports. Successfully place at least one such aid within reach of a practice victim 25 feet from shore.
5. Show or explain the use of rowboats, canoes, and other small craft in performing rescues.
6. List various items that can be used as rescue aids in a noncontact swimming rescue. Explain why buoyant aids are preferred.
7. Perform the following equipment-based rescues for a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore. Use a proper entry and a strong approach stroke. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and to provide instructions and encouragement.

   a. Present a rescue tube to the subject, release it, and escort the victim to safety.

   b. Present a rescue tube to the subject and use it to tow the victim to safety.

   c. Present a buoyant aid other than a rescue tube to the subject, release it, and escort the victim to safety.

   d. Present a buoyant aid other than a rescue tube to the subject and use it to tow the victim to safety.

   e. Remove street clothes in 20 seconds or less and use a non-buoyant aid, such as a shirt or towel, to tow the subject to safety. Explain when it is appropriate to remove heavy clothing before attempting a swimming rescue.

8. Explain the importance of avoiding contact with an active victim and describe lead-and-wait tactics.
9. Perform the following nonequipment rescues for a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore. Begin in the water from a position near the subject. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and to provide instructions and encouragement.

   a. Provide a swim-along assist for a calm, responsive, tired swimmer moving with a weak forward stroke.

   b. Perform an armpit tow for a calm responsive, tired swimmer resting with a back float.

   c. Perform a cross-chest carry for an exhausted, passive victim who does not respond to instructions to aid himself.

10. In deep water, show how to escape from a victim’s grasp on your wrist. Repeat for front and rear holds about the head and shoulders.
11. Perform the following rescues for an unconscious practice subject at or near the surface 30 feet from shore. Use a proper entry and strong approach stroke. Speak to the subject and splash water on him to determine his condition before making contact. Remove the victim from the water, with assistance if needed, and position for CPR.

    a. Perform an equipment assist using a buoyant aid.

    b. Perform a front approach and wrist tow.

    c. Perform a rear approach and armpit tow.

12. Describe how to respond if a victim submerges before being reached by a rescuer, and do the following:

    a. Recover a 10-pound weight in 8 to 10 feet of water using a feetfirst surface dive.

    b. Repeat using a headfirst surface dive.

13. Demonstrate knowledge of resuscitation procedures:

    a. Describe how to recognize the need for rescue breathing and CPR.

    b. Demonstrate proper CPR technique for at least 3 minutes using a mannequin designed to simulate ventilations and compressions.

14. Demonstrate management of a spinal injury:

    a. Explain the signs and symptoms of a spinal injury

    b. Support a face up victim in calm, shallow water.

    c. Turn a subject from a facedown to a faceup position while maintaining support.

15. Show that you know first aid for other injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming or boating, including hypothermia, heat reactions, muscle cramps, sunburn, stings, and hyperventilation.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2014 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216 - SKU# 619576)

A FREE workbook for Lifesaving is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Lifesaving requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Canoeing - Kayaking - Lifesaving - Motorboating - Rowing - Scuba Diving - Small-Boat Sailing - Swimming - Water Sports - Whitewater
• Boy Scouts ranks and awards: Second Class - First Class - BSA Lifeguard - Boardsailing BSA - Kayaking BSA - Mile Swim BSA - Scuba BSA - Snorkeling BSA - BSA Swim Test
• Venturing: Ranger Award electives: Lifesaving - Scuba - Watercraft; Sea Scout Bronze Award - Sea Scout Ranks: Apprentice - Ordinary - Able - Quartermaster
• Webelos Activity Badge: Aquanaut
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Cub Scout Swimming

• Scouter Awards: Emergency Preparedness Award
• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Crime Prevention - Emergency Preparedness - Fire Safety - First Aid - Lifesaving - Public Health - Safety- Traffic Safety
  
• Boy Scout awards: Emergency Preparedness Award
• Webelos Activity Badge: Readyman
• Cub Scout Awards: Emergency Preparedness Award
• Others Links: First Aid Skills - First Aid Kit - Emergency Kit - Safe Swim Defense - Safety Afloat - Guide to Safe Scouting: First Aid
• Venturing: Ranger Award-Emergency Preparedness Requirement

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)