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Requirements September 1989 until September 1993

1. Explain how swimming should be conducted safely for a group (Safe Swim Defense plan).

2. Swim continuously for 150 meters or yards using the following strokes in good form: Sidestroke for 50 meters or yards, elementary backstroke for 50 meters or yards, and any of the following strokes for the last 50 meters or yards: trudgen, crawl, back crawl, or breast.

3. Surface dive headfirst into water over your head but not to exceed 8 feet and bring up an object from the bottom. Repeat using the feetfirst method of water entry.

4. Show a plain front dive from a low board, if available. Show a headfirst dive from a dock. Show a racing start.

5. Enter water over your head wearing clothes. (Clothes means shoes, socks, underwear or trunks, long pants, belt and long-sleeve shirt.) Remove shoes and socks. Inflate shirt and show that you can float using the shirt for support. Remove the pants and use them for support while floating. Swim 50 meters using inflated clothing for support.

6. Do the following:

(a) Float faceup in a resting position, as nearly motionless as possible, for 1 minute.
(b) Float facedown in a related position using minimum movement of arms and legs to raise head for breathing and keep body afloat for 10 minutes or longer.

7. Do the following:

(a) Demonstrate rescuing a person from water by reaching with arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and floating objects.
(b) Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing assist or boat rescue can be done. Explain why and how a person making a swimming rescue should avoid contact with the victim.

Requirements September 1993 until September 1995

1. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. Explain how the Safe Swim Defense plan is used to protect Scout troops and other groups when they are swimming.

2. Swim continuously for 150 yards using the following strokes in good form and in a strong manner: sidestroke for 50 yards, elementary backstroke for 50 yards, front crawl or trudgen for 25 yards, and either the breaststroke or back crawl for 25 yards.

3. In water over your head, but not to exceed 10 feet, do each of the following:

(a) Use the feetfirst method of surface diving and bring an object up from the bottom.
(b) Do a headfirst surface dive, pike, or tuck, and bring the object up again.
(c) Do a headfirst surface dive to a depth of at least 5 feet and swim underwater for 3 strokes. Come to the surface, take a breath, and repeat the sequence twice.

4. In water at least 8 feet deep, show a headfirst dive from a dock or pool deck. Show a long shallow dive, also from the dock or pool deck. If a low board (not to exceed 40 inches above water at least 9 feet deep) is available, show a plain front dive.

5. Enter water over your head wearing clothes (shoes and socks, underwear or swim trunks, long pants, belt, long-sleeved shirt). Remove the shoes and socks. Inflate the shirt and show that you can float using the shirt for support. Remove the pants and use them for support while floating. Swim 50 yards using inflated clothing for support. (Note: If the bottom surface of the swimming area is dark or objects can not be seen easily, practice removing shoes and socks in neck-deep water, then leave shoes and socks on land or in a protected area to prevent loss, and demonstrate the above.)

6. Do the following:

(a) Float faceup in a resting position as nearly motionless as possible for at least a minute.
(b) While wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD), demonstrate the "HELP" and "huddle" positions. Explain their purpose.
(c) In warm water (at least 70°F or 21°C), show survival floating. If water is cooler than 70°F, discuss the purpose, technique, and limitations of survival floating.

7. Do the following:

(a) Demonstrate rescuing a person from water by reaching with an arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.
(b) Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing assist or boat rescue can be done instead. Explain why and how a person making a swimming rescue should avoid contact with the victim.

Requirements September 1995 until January 1998

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn, insect stings, tick bites, blisters, and hyperventilation.

2. Do the following:

(a) Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Explain how such conditions are recognized.
(b) Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR on an adult mannequin for at least three minutes.

3. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, swim 75 yards or 75 meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side stroke, breast stroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yardsor 25 meters using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards or 100 meters must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating as motionless as possible. Explain how the Safe Swim Defense plan is used to protect Scout troops and other groups when they are swimming.

4. Swim continuously for 150 yards using the following strokes in good form and in a strong manner: sidestroke for 50 yards, elementary backstroke for 50 yards, front crawl or trudgen for 25 yards, and either the breaststroke or back crawl for 25 yards.

5. In water over your head, but not to exceed 10 feet, do each of the following:

(a) Use the feetfirst method of surface diving and bring an object up from the bottom.
(b) Do a headfirst surface dive, pike, or tuck, and bring the object up again.
(c) Do a headfirst surface dive to a depth of at least 5 feet and swim underwater for 3 strokes. Come to the surface, take a breath, and repeat the sequence twice.

6. In water at least 8 feet deep, show a headfirst dive from a dock or pool deck. Show a long shallow dive, also from the dock or pool deck. If a low board (not to exceed 40 inches above water at least 9 feet deep) is available, show a plain front dive.

7. Enter water over your head wearing clothes (shoes and socks, underwear or swim trunks, long pants, belt, long-sleeved shirt). Remove the shoes and socks. Inflate the shirt and show that you can float using the shirt for support. Remove the pants and use them for support while floating. Swim 50 yards using inflated clothing for support. (Note: If the bottom surface of the swimming area is dark or objects can not be seen easily, practice removing shoes and socks in neck-deep water, then leave shoes and socks on land or in a protected area to prevent loss, and demonstrate the above.)

8. Do the following:

(a) Float faceup in a resting position as nearly motionless as possible for at least a minute.
(b) While wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD), demonstrate the "HELP" and "huddle" positions. Explain their purpose.
(c) In warm water (at least 70°F or 21°C), show survival floating. If water is cooler than 70°F, discuss the purpose, technique, and limitations of survival floating.

9. Do the following:

(a) Demonstrate rescuing a person from water by reaching with an arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.
(b) Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing assist or boat rescue can be done instead. Explain why and how a person making a swimming rescue should avoid contact with the victim.

Requirements January 1998 until January 2001

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn, insect stings, tick bites, blisters, and hyperventilation.

2. Do the following:

(a) Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Explain how such conditions are recognized.
(b) Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.

3. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, swim 75 yards or 75 meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side stroke, breast stroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yardsor 25 meters using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards or 100 meters must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating as motionless as possible. Explain how the Safe Swim Defense plan is used to protect Scout troops and other groups when they are swimming.

4. Swim continuously for 150 yards using the following strokes in good form and in a strong manner: sidestroke for 50 yards, elementary backstroke for 50 yards, front crawl or trudgen for 25 yards, and either the breaststroke or back crawl for 25 yards.

5. In water over your head, but not to exceed 10 feet, do each of the following:

(a) Use the feetfirst method of surface diving and bring an object up from the bottom.
(b) Do a headfirst surface dive, pike, or tuck, and bring the object up again.
(c) Do a headfirst surface dive to a depth of at least 5 feet and swim underwater for 3 strokes. Come to the surface, take a breath, and repeat the sequence twice.

6. In water at least 8 feet deep, show a headfirst dive from a dock or pool deck. Show a long shallow dive, also from the dock or pool deck. If a low board (not to exceed 40 inches above water at least 9 feet deep) is available, show a plain front dive.

7. Enter water over your head wearing clothes (shoes and socks, underwear or swim trunks, long pants, belt, long-sleeved shirt). Remove the shoes and socks. Inflate the shirt and show that you can float using the shirt for support. Remove the pants and use them for support while floating. Swim 50 yards using inflated clothing for support. (Note: If the bottom surface of the swimming area is dark or objects can not be seen easily, practice removing shoes and socks in neck-deep water, then leave shoes and socks on land or in a protected area to prevent loss, and demonstrate the above.)

8. Do the following:

(a) Float faceup in a resting position as nearly motionless as possible for at least a minute.
(b) While wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD), demonstrate the "HELP" and "huddle" positions. Explain their purpose.
(c) In warm water (at least 70°F or 21°C), show survival floating. If water is cooler than 70°F, discuss the purpose, technique, and limitations of survival floating.

9. Do the following:

(a) Demonstrate rescuing a person from water by reaching with an arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.
(b) Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing assist or boat rescue can be done instead. Explain why and how a person making a swimming rescue should avoid contact with the victim.

Requirements January 2001 until January 2002

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming, including hypothermia, heat reactions, muscle cramps, sunburn, stings and bites, cuts and scrapes, spinal injuries, and hyperventilation.

2. Do the following:

(a) Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Explain how such conditions are recognized.
(b) Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.

3. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete Second Class rank requirements 7a-7c and First Class rank requirements 9a-9d.

Second Class rank requirements:

(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. (This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.)
(7c) Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects. (This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.) 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) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
(9b) Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test:
Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; the swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest floating. (This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.)
(9c) Demonstrate survival skills by leaping into deep water wearing clothes (shoes, scoks, swim trunks, long pants, belt, and long-sleeved shirt). Remove shoes and socks, inflate theshirt, and show that you can float using the shirt as support. Remove and inflate the pants for support. Swim 50 feet using the inflated pants for support, the show how to reinflate the pants while using the for support. (This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.)
(9d) 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. (This requirement may be waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.)

4. Swim continuously for 150 yards using each of the following strokes in good form and in a strong manner: front crawl or trudgen for 25 yards, back crawl for 25 yards, sidestroke for 25 yards, breaststroke for 25 yards, and elementary backstroke for 50 yards.

5. Do the following:

(a) Float faceup in a resting position for at least one minute.
(b) Demonstrate survival floating for at least five minutes.
(c) While wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD), demonstrate the HELP and huddle positions. Explain their purposes.
(d) Explain why swimming or survival floating will hasten the onset of hypothermia in cold water.

6. In water over your head, but not to exceed 10 feet, do each of the following:

(a) Use the feetfirst method of surface diving and bring an object up from the bottom.
(b) Do a headfirst surface dive (pike or tuck) and bring the object up again.
(c) Do a headfirst surface dive to a depth of at least 5 feet and swim underwater for three strokes. Come to the surface, take a breath, and repeat the sequence twice.

7. Do the following:

(a) Demonstrate selection and fit of mask, snorkel, and fins; discuss safety in both pool and open-water snorkeling.
(b) Demonstrate proper use of mask, snorkel, and fins for underwater search and rescue.
(c) Describe the sport of scuba diving, and demonstrate your knowledge of BSA policies and procedures relating to this sport.

8. In water at least 8 feet deep, show a headfirst dive from a dock or pool deck. Show a long shallow dive, also from the dock or pool deck. If a low board (not to exceed 40 inches above water at least 9 feet deep) is available, show a plain front dive.

9. Demonstrate the following competitive swimming skills:

(a) Racing dive from a pool edge
(b) Racing turns for both the front crawl and back crawl
(c) Racing form for 25 yards on one competitive stroke (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, or butterfly)

10. Do the following:

(a) Explain the health benefits of regular aerobic exercise, and explain why many people today do not get enough of the beneficial kinds of exercise.
(b) Discuss why swimming is favored as both a fitness and a therapeutic exercise.
(c) Write a plan for a swimming exercise program that will promote aerobic/vascular fitness, strength and muscle tone, body flexibility, and weight control for a person of Scout age. Identify resources and facilities available in your home community that would be needed for such a program.
(d) Discuss with your counselor the incentives and obstacles for adherence to the fitness program you created in requirement 10c. Explain the unique benefits that could be gained from this program, and discuss how personal health awareness and self-discipline would relate to you own willingness and ability to pursue such a program.

11. Assist with instructionin basic swimming skills under the direction of a qualified swimming instructor in two or more teaching sessions for a total of three hours. The instruction may be at either the nonswimmer or beginner level in a summer camp, unit program, or any other organized program in your community. Assist withdemonstrations, skill explanations, and invidual coaching.