Snorkeling BSA
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Snorkeling BSA | |||||
![]() This patch is not worn on the uniform. It is aquatic insignia and can be worn on swim trunks.
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Snorkeling BSA requirements | ![]() | ||
Note to CounselorsPurpose: The Snorkeling BSA requirements introduce Scout-age children and adult leaders to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with snorkeling; encourage the development of aquatics skills that promote fitness and recreation; and provide a foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity. Counselors: Any adult trained and assigned by a currently certified BSA Aquatics Instructor may serve as a counselor for the Snorkeling BSA award. A person certified to conduct snorkeling instruction by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), or the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), or other BSA recognized agency also qualifies as a Snorkeling BSA counselor. Recognition: The individual completing the official requirements qualifies for a recognition card and swimsuit patch. The completed award application should be submitted to the local council service center by the counselor or unit leader. Programming: Instruction must be conducted in clear, confined water with a maximum depth of 12 feet. A swimming pool is recommended. Snorkeling BSA is ideally suited to winter programs using indoor pools. Three 45-minute sessions are recommended for instruction, practice, and completion of requirements. References: The Swimming merit badge pamphlet provides reference material for Snorkeling BSA. NAUI, PADI, equipment manufacturers, and others publish references available through bookstores and dive shops. The PADI snorkeler’s field guide, Discover the Underwater World, is one such resource. Although few dedicated snorkeling texts are available, instruction manuals for scuba diving contain pertinent information. Requirements: All requirements must be completed as stated on the application form. The counselor may not omit, vary, or add requirements. The skill requirements are presented in the order in which they should be taught to the Scout. The second requirement considers the time-honored and time-proven principle of the buddy system. Snorkelers must use the buddy system at all times. Before beginning the activity, each person helps his buddy fit and check equipment. The principle of the buddy system is that two people can enjoy an aquatics activity together while each provides a critical margin of safety for the other. Each buddy must constantly be aware of the condition and circumstances of his buddy, and must always be prepared to call for aid or give immediate assistance if needed.
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Notes
Requirement resources
1. BSA Swim Test - Diving (has feet-first entries as well)
- Sidestroke - Breaststroke - Trudgen - Crawl - Backstroke - Swimming Turns - Floating
- 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
2. Buddy System
3 - 7. Snorkling
5c. Swimming Strokes - Swimming Underwater
6a. Diving (has feet-first entries as well)
6b. Surface Diving
9a. Floating
9b. Survival Floating
9c. Lifesaving Skills
10. Safe Swim Defense and * BSA Snorkeling Safety
11 & 12. Snorkling
12a. Hyperventilation
12b. Hypothermia
12c. CPR
Related Ranks, Awards, and Merit Badges
- Aquatic Awards Links
Aquatic-related awards
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External links
- Safe Swim Defense
- Classification of Swimming Ability
- Swimming Area
- Water Clarity
- Pool and Surf Swimming
- Diving and Elevated Entry
- Other
- Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page - Resources for underwater health issues