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Requirements January 2001 until January 2016

1. Before doing requirements 2 through 15

(a) Complete Second Class rank requirements 7a through 7c and First Class rank requirements 9a through 9d.

Second Class rnak requirements 7a through 7c:

(7a) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
(7b) 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.
(7c) Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by 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 a victim.

First Class rank requirements 9a through 9d:

(9a) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
(9b) Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
(9c) Demonstrate survival skills by leaping into deep water wearing clothes (shoes, socks, swim trunks, long pants, belt, and long-sleeved shirt). Remove shoes and scoks, inflate the shirt, and show that you can float using the shirt for support. Remove and inflate the pants for support. Swim 50 feet using the inflated pants for support, then show how to reinflate the pants while using them for support.
(9c) 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 very dedending 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 such things as arms, legs, branches, sticks, 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 making 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 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 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 cloths in 20 seconds or less and use a nonbuoyant aid, such as a shirt ot towel, to tow the subject to safety. Explain why it 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 perform 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 procedure:

(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) Explaining the signs and symptoms of a spinal injury.
(b) Suppor a faceup 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.

Note: Alternative requirements for the Second Class and First Class ranks are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed on page 13 in the Boy Scout Requirements book, No 33215C.

Requirements January 2016 until January 2017

1. Before doing requirements 2 through 17:

(a)  Complete Second Class rank requirements 5a through 5d and First Class rank requirements 6 a, 6b, and 6e.

Second Class rank requirements 5 a through 5:

(5a) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
(5b) Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner tests: Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turned sharply, resume swimming, then returned to your starting place.
(5c) Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by 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.
(5d) Explain why and how a rescue summer should avoid contact with the victim.

First Class rank requirements 6 a, 6b, and 6e:

(6a) Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
(6b) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip of float.
(6e) With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as a tender and as a rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)

2. Discuss and review with your counselor the principles of BSA Safe Swim Defense.

3. Explain the following:

1. Common drowning situations and how to prevent them.
2. How to identify persons in the water who need assistance.
3. The order of methods in water rescue.
4. How rescue techniques vary depending upon the setting and the condition of the person needing assistance.
5. Situations for which in water rescue should not be undertaken.

4. Demonstrate “reaching” rescues using various items such as arm, leg, towels, shirts, paddles, and poles.

5. Demonstrate “throwing” rescues using various items such as a line, ring buoy, rescue bags, and free-floating supports. Successfully placed at least one such aid within reach of a practice victim 25 feet from shore.

6. With your counselor’s approval, view in-person or on video a rowing rescue performed using a rowboat, canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board. Discuss with your counselor how he effectively and efficiently the rescue was performed.

7. ist various items that can be used as aids in a “go” rescue. Explain why buoyant aids are preferred.

8. Correctly demonstrate rescues of a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore in deep water using two types of buoyant aids provided by your counselor. Use a proper entry and a strong approach stroke. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and to provide instructions and engagement.

1. Present one aid to a subject, release it, and swim at a safe distance as the subject moves to safety.
2. In a separate rescue, present the other aid to a subject can use it to tow the subject to safety.

9. Discuss with your counselor when it is appropriate to remove heavy clothing before attempting a swimming rescue. Remove street close in 20 seconds or less, enter the water, and approach a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore in deep water. Speak to the subject and use a non-buoyant aid, such as a shirt or a towel to tow the subject to safety.

10. Discuss with your counselor the importance of avoiding contact with an active subject and demonstrate lead-and-wait techniques.

11. Perform the following non-equipment rescues for a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore. Begin in water from a position near the subject. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and provide instructions and encouragement.

1. Perform an armpit tow for a calm, responsive, tired swimmer resting with a back float.
2. Perform a cross-chest carry for an exhausted, responsive subject treading water.

12. 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.

13. Perform the following rescues for an un-conscious 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. Quickly remove the victim from the water, with assistance if needed, and positioned for CPR.

1. Perform an equipment assistant using a buoyant aid.
2. Perform a front approach and wrist tow.
3. Perform a rear approach and armpit.

14. Discuss with your counselor how to respond if a victim submerges before being reached by a rescuer, and do the following:

1. Recover a 10-pound weight in 8 to 10 feet of water using a feet first surface dive.
2. Repeat using a headfirst surface dive.

15.Demonstrate knowledge of resuscitation procedures.

1. Describe how to recognize the need for rescue breathing and CPR.
2. Demonstrate CPR knowledge and skills, including rescue breathing, consistent with current guidelines.*

16. Demonstrate management of ace spinal injury to your counselor:

1. Discuss the causes, signs, and symptoms of a spinal injury.
2. Support a faceup subject in calm water of standing depth.
3. Turn a subject from a facedown to a faceup position in water of standing depth while maintaining support.

17. With your counselor, discuss causes, prevention, and treatment of other injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming or boating, including hypothermia, dehydration, heat -related illness, muscle cramps, sunburn, stings, and hyperventilation.

*Your counselor may accept recent training in CPR by an approved agency as completion of this requirement only if he or she feels your skills are satisfactory and need no additional reinforcement.

Requirements January 2017 until Current

1. Before doing requirements 2 through 17:

(a) Complete Second Class rank requirements 5a through 5d and First Class rank requirements 6 a, 6b, and 6e.

Second Class rank requirements 5 a through 5:

(5a) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
(5b) Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner tests: Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turned sharply, resume swimming, then returned to your starting place.
(5c) Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by 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.
(5d) Explain why and how a rescue summer should avoid contact with the victim.

First Class rank requirements 6 a, 6b, and 6e:

(6a) Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
(6b) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip of float.
(6e) With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as a tender and as a rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)

(b) Swim continusously for 400 yards using each of the following strokes in a strong manner, in good form with rhythmic breathing, for at least 50 continuous yards.:front crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke.

2. Discuss and review with your counselor the principles of BSA Safe Swim Defense.

3. Explain the following:

1. Common drowning situations and how to prevent them.
2. How to identify persons in the water who need assistance.
3. The order of methods in water rescue.
4. How rescue techniques vary depending upon the setting and the condition of the person needing assistance.
5. Situations for which in water rescue should not be undertaken.

4. Demonstrate “reaching” rescues using various items such as arm, leg, towels, shirts, paddles, and poles.

5. Demonstrate “throwing” rescues using various items such as a line, ring buoy, rescue bags, and free-floating supports. Successfully placed at least one such aid within reach of a practice victim 25 feet from shore.

6. With your counselor’s approval, view in-person or on video a rowing rescue performed using a rowboat, canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board. Discuss with your counselor how he effectively and efficiently the rescue was performed.

7. ist various items that can be used as aids in a “go” rescue. Explain why buoyant aids are preferred.

8. Correctly demonstrate rescues of a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore in deep water using two types of buoyant aids provided by your counselor. Use a proper entry and a strong approach stroke. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and to provide instructions and engagement.

1. Present one aid to a subject, release it, and swim at a safe distance as the subject moves to safety.
2. In a separate rescue, present the other aid to a subject can use it to tow the subject to safety.

9. Discuss with your counselor when it is appropriate to remove heavy clothing before attempting a swimming rescue. Remove street close in 20 seconds or less, enter the water, and approach a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore in deep water. Speak to the subject and use a non-buoyant aid, such as a shirt or a towel to tow the subject to safety.

10. Discuss with your counselor the importance of avoiding contact with an active subject and demonstrate lead-and-wait techniques.

11. Perform the following non-equipment rescues for a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore. Begin in water from a position near the subject. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and provide instructions and encouragement.

1. Perform an armpit tow for a calm, responsive, tired swimmer resting with a back float.
2. Perform a cross-chest carry for an exhausted, responsive subject treading water.

12. 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.

13. Perform the following rescues for an un-conscious 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. Quickly remove the victim from the water, with assistance if needed, and positioned for CPR.

1. Perform an equipment assistant using a buoyant aid.
2. Perform a front approach and wrist tow.
3. Perform a rear approach and armpit.

14. Discuss with your counselor how to respond if a victim submerges before being reached by a rescuer, and do the following:

1. Recover a 10-pound weight in 8 to 10 feet of water using a feet first surface dive.
2. Repeat using a headfirst surface dive.

15.Demonstrate knowledge of resuscitation procedures.

1. Describe how to recognize the need for rescue breathing and CPR.
2. Demonstrate CPR knowledge and skills, including rescue breathing, consistent with current guidelines.*

16. Demonstrate management of ace spinal injury to your counselor:

1. Discuss the causes, signs, and symptoms of a spinal injury.
2. Support a faceup subject in calm water of standing depth.
3. Turn a subject from a facedown to a faceup position in water of standing depth while maintaining support.

17. With your counselor, discuss causes, prevention, and treatment of other injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming or boating, including hypothermia, dehydration, heat -related illness, muscle cramps, sunburn, stings, and hyperventilation.

*Your counselor may accept recent training in CPR by an approved agency as completion of this requirement only if he or she feels your skills are satisfactory and need no additional reinforcement.