Free Resources and Answers
The Swimming merit badge teaches important skills for Scouts who enjoy being in the water. It helps you learn how to swim better, stay safe, and build confidence. Working on the Swimming merit badge also helps you get more comfortable in different water conditions.
Scouts who earn the Swimming merit badge gain valuable life skills. You learn how to handle emergencies, help others in the water, and swim long distances. These skills can help you if you ever need to swim in a lake, river, or ocean.
Swimming is also great exercise. It helps keep you strong and healthy. By working on the Swimming merit badge, you will build endurance and improve your swimming strokes.
Earning the Swimming merit badge can open up new adventures. Once you know how to swim well, you can enjoy more water activities like boating, kayaking, and snorkeling. It also prepares you for future opportunities in Scouting.
Either the Cycling merit badge OR the Hiking merit badge OR the Swimming merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouts who earn more than one of these badges may count the additional badges as electives.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirements
Swimming Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet
Help with Answers for Swimming Merit Badge Requirements
Find specific helps for some of the Swimming merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.
Requirement 1: Safe Swim Defense
Do the following:
- Explain to your counselor how Scouting’s Safe Swim Defense plan anticipates, helps prevent and mitigate, and provides responses to likely hazards you may encounter during swimming activities.
- Discuss the prevention and treatment of health concerns that could occur while swimming, including hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, muscle cramps, hyperventilation, spinal injury, stings and bites, and cuts and scrapes.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 1 Helps and Answers
Understanding Safe Swim Defense
When you work on the Swimming merit badge, you learn about Scouting’s Safe Swim Defense. This plan is designed to keep you safe while swimming. It helps prevent accidents and teaches you how to respond to problems in the water.
The Safe Swim Defense plan has rules for where and how you swim. For example, it makes sure that swimming areas are checked for hazards like deep water or sharp objects. The plan also makes sure an adult leader who knows first aid and water rescue is always present.
This plan also teaches about buddy systems and watching out for each other. Each swimmer has a buddy who checks on them and helps if something goes wrong. The Safe Swim Defense plan helps prevent accidents and ensures quick action if someone is in trouble.
The Swimming merit badge helps you understand these rules so you can stay safe in the water and enjoy swimming activities with confidence.
Staying Healthy and Safe While Swimming
When working on the Swimming merit badge, you learn how to prevent and treat common health concerns that can happen while swimming. Knowing this helps you avoid getting hurt and keeps you safe in the water.
Hypothermia happens when your body gets too cold. To prevent it, avoid staying in cold water for too long. If it happens, get out of the water, dry off, and warm up. Learn more about hypothermia.
Dehydration can happen if you don’t drink enough water, even while swimming. Always drink plenty of water, especially on hot days.
Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke can occur when swimming outside. To prevent these, wear sunscreen and a hat, stay in the shade when possible, and drink water. If someone feels dizzy or tired, get them to a cool place and give them water.
Muscle cramps and hyperventilation can happen when you’re tired or not breathing properly. To prevent cramps, stretch before swimming and take breaks. If you start to hyperventilate, calm your breathing before continuing.
A spinal injury can happen if someone dives into shallow water. Always check water depth before diving. If a spinal injury occurs, do not move the person. Call for help and keep them still until trained help arrives.
For stings, bites, cuts, and scrapes, make sure you clean the wound with fresh water and cover it to avoid infection. The Swimming merit badge teaches you how to handle these situations so you can enjoy swimming safely.
Requirement 2: BSA Swimmer Test
Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 2 Helps and Answers
Passing the BSA Swimmer Test for the Swimming Merit Badge
Before working on the Swimming merit badge, you need to pass the BSA swimmer test. This test shows that you are comfortable and skilled in the water. It makes sure you can handle swimming safely and with good technique.
The test starts with jumping feet first into deep water. This shows you are ready to swim in water where you can’t touch the bottom. Then, you must swim 75 yards using strong strokes like the sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl. These strokes are good for moving quickly and smoothly in the water.
Next, you swim 25 yards using an easy backstroke. This lets you rest while still moving through the water.
The full 100-yard swim must be done without stopping, and it includes a sharp turn to show control. After the swim, you will float to rest and show that you can stay calm in the water.
By completing the BSA swimmer test, you prove you are ready to safely work on the Swimming merit badge and learn even more skills.
Requirement 3: Swimming Strokes
Correctly perform the following strokes:
- Demonstrate the front crawl or the trudgen using good form.
- Demonstrate the back crawl using good form.
- Demonstrate the sidestroke using good form.
- Demonstrate the breaststroke using good form.
- Demonstrate the elementary backstroke using good form.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 3 Helps and Answers
Mastering Key Strokes for the Swimming Merit Badge
When earning the Swimming merit badge, you must demonstrate five key swimming strokes with good form. Each stroke has a purpose and helps you swim effectively in different situations.
The front crawl and trudgen are fast strokes used for covering distance quickly. The front crawl, also known as freestyle, uses alternating arm strokes and flutter kicks. The trudgen is similar, but you use a scissor kick. Both require good breathing techniques and smooth arm movements.
The back crawl lets you swim on your back while using a flutter kick and alternating arms. It’s a faster backstroke and helps you breathe freely while swimming.
The sidestroke is a slower, restful stroke that uses a scissor kick and alternating arm strokes. It’s often used in water rescue situations because it conserves energy.
The breaststroke and elementary backstroke are slower, easier strokes. The breaststroke uses frog-like kicks and sweeping arm motions. The elementary backstroke is a restful stroke done on your back, using a frog kick and simple arm movements.
Demonstrating these strokes with good form for the Swimming merit badge helps you become a stronger, more versatile swimmer. Each stroke has a specific use, and mastering them prepares you for different swimming situations.
Requirement 4: Endurance
Swim continuously for 150 yards in a strong manner using each of the following strokes in any order; front crawl or trudgen (25 yards); back crawl (25 yards); sidestroke (25 yards); breaststroke (25 yards); and elementary backstroke (50 yards).
Requirement 4 Helps and Answers
Swimming 150 Yards for the Swimming Merit Badge
To earn the Swimming merit badge, you need to swim 150 yards using five different strokes. This shows that you have endurance and can swim with good form over a longer distance.
You will swim 25 yards of front crawl or trudgen, which are both fast strokes. This tests your speed and strength. Then, swim 25 yards of back crawl, which lets you swim quickly on your back. Next, swim 25 yards of sidestroke, a slower stroke that helps you save energy.
After that, you will swim 25 yards of breaststroke, which is a strong, steady stroke. Finally, swim 50 yards of elementary backstroke, a restful stroke that helps you float and recover while still moving.
This test combines strength, endurance, and technique. By completing the 150-yard swim for the Swimming merit badge, you prove that you are a capable and confident swimmer.
Requirement 5: Water Rescue Methods
Do the following:
- 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 the victim.
- 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.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 5 Helps and Answers
Learning Safe Water Rescue for the Swimming Merit Badge
The Order of Methods in Water Rescue
- Reach
- Throw
- Row
- Go
The Swimming merit badge teaches important water rescue skills. One method is to reach out with your arm or leg to pull someone to safety if they are close. You can also use a stick, towel, or other object to reach them. If the person is farther away, you can throw a rope, life jacket, or floating object to help them stay above water.
Swimming rescues should only be a last resort because they are more dangerous. When someone is drowning, they are often scared and may act without thinking. If a rescuer gets too close, the panicked person might grab them tightly or push them underwater in an attempt to stay afloat. This can put both the rescuer and the victim in danger.
That’s why the Swimming merit badge teaches you to avoid direct contact when possible. By using a rescue tool or staying at a safe distance, you protect yourself while still helping the person in need. This keeps the rescue safer for everyone involved.
It’s safer to reach or throw something instead of swimming out. If you must swim out, a rescue swimmer should avoid direct contact with the victim. Instead, they should use a rescue tool, like a life preserver, to keep a safe distance while bringing the person to shore.
By practicing these water rescue methods, you learn how to help someone safely without putting yourself in danger. This is an important skill you gain while working on the Swimming merit badge.
Practicing a Line Rescue for the Swimming Merit Badge
For the Swimming merit badge, you will practice a line rescue with a helper and a victim. This teaches you how to save someone in deep water safely. The practice victim will be about 30 feet from the shore, where the water is too deep to stand.
First, as the rescuer, you will throw a rope or line to the victim. Make sure to aim carefully and toss the rope so the victim can grab it easily. Once they grab the line, you pull them back to shore. Your helper, the tender, assists by making sure the rope doesn’t get tangled and is ready to help pull if needed.
Then, switch roles, so you practice being both the tender and the rescuer. This skill shows how teamwork and using a rope can safely rescue someone without needing to swim out to them, reducing risk for both you and the victim. Completing this line rescue helps you gain confidence in handling real water emergencies as part of the Swimming merit badge.
Requirement 6: Water Survival
Do the following:
- Float faceup in a resting position for at least three minutes with minimal movement.
- Demonstrate survival floating for at least five minutes.
- While wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, demonstrate the HELP and huddle positions. Explain their purposes.
- Explain why swimming or survival floating will hasten the onset of hypothermia in cold water.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 6 Helps and Answers
Learning Important Floating and Cold Water Survival Skills for the Swimming Merit Badge
One of the key skills you will learn while working on the Swimming merit badge is how to float faceup in a resting position. To do this, you must stay calm and move as little as possible. Floating like this for at least three minutes helps conserve energy and keeps you above water. This skill is useful if you ever find yourself tired or needing to stay in the water for a while.
In addition to floating, you must also demonstrate survival floating for at least five minutes. Survival floating is done face down, using slow movements to stay afloat. You raise your head only when you need to breathe. This technique is especially helpful in rough water or when you need to conserve energy for a longer time.
Another important part of the Swimming merit badge is learning about cold water survival. While wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, you will demonstrate the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) and huddle positions. These positions help protect your body from losing heat too quickly in cold water, which can cause hypothermia.
The HELP position is done by pulling your knees to your chest and wrapping your arms around them. This position helps protect your vital organs stay warm. It is best to use this position when you are alone in cold water and need to wait for rescue.
The huddle position is used when you are in the water with other people. In this position, you and the others group together with your arms around each other’s shoulders and your legs tucked in. This helps keep everyone warm by sharing body heat. The huddle position is more effective when done with several people.
It’s important to understand why swimming or survival floating in cold water can actually make you colder. When you swim or move in cold water, your body uses more energy and loses heat faster. This speeds up the onset of hypothermia, which is when your body temperature drops to dangerous levels. The more you move, the faster you lose heat.
By learning these floating and survival techniques, you are better prepared to handle emergencies in the water. The Swimming merit badge helps you understand how to stay safe, conserve energy, and protect yourself from the dangers of cold water. These skills are valuable for anyone who spends time in the water.
Requirement 7: Surface Dives
In water over your head, but not to exceed 10 feet, do each of the following:
- Use the feetfirst method of surface diving and bring an object up from the bottom.
- Do a headfirst surface dive (pike or tuck), and bring the object up again.
- 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.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 7 Helps and Answers
Mastering Surface Dives and Underwater Skills for the Swimming Merit Badge
As part of the Swimming merit badge, you will practice different surface diving techniques to retrieve objects from the bottom of the water. One method is the feetfirst surface dive. To do this, you sink straight down with your feet pointing toward the bottom, pushing with your arms to help you descend. Once you reach the bottom, grab the object and bring it back to the surface.
Another dive you will demonstrate is the headfirst surface dive. There are two ways to do this: the pike or the tuck position. In the pike dive, you bend at the waist with your legs straight up as you dive headfirst down. In the tuck dive, you pull your knees toward your chest as you dive. Both of these dives allow you to quickly reach the bottom, where you will retrieve an object and return to the surface.
In addition to these dives, the Swimming merit badge also requires you to perform a more advanced underwater task. You will do a headfirst surface dive to a depth of at least 5 feet, swim underwater for three strokes, then come up for air. After taking a breath, you will repeat this sequence two more times. This skill helps improve your ability to swim and navigate underwater, which can be useful in emergencies or water activities.
Practicing these surface dives and underwater swimming helps you become more comfortable in the water and improves your diving skills. The Swimming merit badge teaches you these techniques to make sure you can handle underwater challenges with confidence.
How to Do a Surface Dive: This video shows feetfirst and headfirst surface dive techniques.
Requirement 8: Headfirst Dives
Following the guidelines set in the BSA Safe Swim Defense, in water at least 7 feet deep*, show a standing headfirst dive from a dock or pool deck. Show a long shallow dive, also from the dock or pool deck.
* If your state, city, or local community requires a water depth greater than 7 feet, it is important to abide by that mandate.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 8 Helps and Answers
Practicing Safe Diving Techniques for the Swimming Merit Badge
For the Swimming merit badge, you will learn how to dive safely by following the BSA Safe Swim Defense guidelines. These guidelines ensure that you only dive in water that is deep enough, which must be at least 7 feet deep to prevent injury.
First, you will demonstrate a standing headfirst dive from a dock or pool deck. This is a basic dive where you stand at the edge, lean forward, and dive smoothly into the water headfirst. It’s important to keep your body straight and enter the water at a controlled angle.
Next, you will show a long shallow dive from the dock or pool deck. This dive is used to enter the water without going too deep. You dive out and forward, keeping your body low and your entry shallow. This type of dive is helpful when you want to move quickly across the water’s surface.
By practicing these dives, you improve your technique and learn how to dive safely. The Swimming merit badge teaches you the importance of following safety rules while diving to prevent accidents and injuries.
Requirement 9: Health Benefits of Swimming
Explain the health benefits of regular aerobic exercise, and discuss why swimming is favored as both fitness and therapeutic exercise.
Swimming Merit Badge Requirement 9 Helps and Answers
The Health Benefits of Swimming for Fitness and Therapy
As part of the Swimming merit badge, you learn about the health benefits of regular aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercises, like swimming, improve your heart and lung health. They help your body use oxygen better, which increases your endurance and overall fitness. Aerobic activities also strengthen your muscles and help you stay at a healthy weight.
Swimming is favored as an excellent form of fitness exercise because it works your whole body without putting stress on your joints. The water supports your body, making it easier on your knees and back compared to running or jumping. Swimming also improves flexibility, coordination, and balance.
For therapeutic exercise, swimming is especially helpful for people recovering from injuries or those with physical limitations. The water allows them to move freely without pain or risk of further injury. It’s a gentle way to stay active and build strength while recovering.
In a nutshell, swimming
- builds endurance and cardiovascular fitness
- improves muscle strength
- is a good full body workout
- helps maintain a healthy weight
- helps develop a healthy heart and lungs
- minimizes impact on joints
- is relaxing
The Swimming merit badge highlights how swimming provides both fitness and health benefits, making it a great choice for people of all ages and abilities.
More Resources
Swimming Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA
The swimming program feature helps Scouts develop important water skills while emphasizing safety and fitness. Scouts work on swimming techniques, such as different strokes and diving, while also learning how to handle emergencies in the water. This program promotes physical fitness through swimming activities and builds confidence. Scouts also learn about water rescues and staying safe in various conditions. The program is designed to help youth enjoy swimming while being prepared for different situations. As part of this feature, Scouts may also work on requirements for the Swimming merit badge, but the focus is on overall skill development.
National Outdoor Awards – Aquatics Segment Requirements
The National Outdoor Awards Aquatics Segment encourages Scouts to develop their skills and experience in water activities. To earn this award, Scouts participate in various aquatics activities like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling. They also need to log hours in water sports and complete important safety training. Earning the Swimming merit badge is one way to meet the award’s requirements. This award helps Scouts build confidence in the water while learning new skills and staying safe. It’s a great way to expand outdoor adventure opportunities and improve overall fitness through water-based activities.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Swimming Merit Badge
What do I need to know to earn the Swimming merit badge?
You need to learn basic swimming skills, water safety, and rescue techniques. You will also practice different strokes, floating, and diving. The Swimming merit badge focuses on being a safe and confident swimmer.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to start working on the Swimming merit badge?
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer at first, but you will improve as you complete the requirements. You will take a swim test to show that you can swim safely.
What strokes do I need to learn for the Swimming merit badge?
You will need to demonstrate five strokes: front crawl, back crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke. You must show good form for each stroke.
Why do I need to learn rescue techniques for the Swimming merit badge?
Learning rescue techniques is important to help others in the water safely. You will learn how to rescue someone without putting yourself in danger.
Is diving part of the Swimming merit badge?
Yes, you will learn how to do both headfirst and shallow dives. These dives must follow BSA Safe Swim Defense guidelines to make sure they are safe.
What should I wear while working on the Swimming merit badge?
You should wear a modest swimsuit that allows you to swim comfortably. For some activities, you will also need a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Why is swimming considered a good exercise for the Swimming merit badge?
Swimming is a great exercise because it strengthens your whole body and is easy on your joints. It helps improve your heart, lungs, and muscles.
How does the Swimming merit badge prepare me for water safety?
It teaches you how to swim in different conditions, how to rescue others, and how to avoid common water dangers. These skills make you a safer and more capable swimmer.
Dive In and Earn the Swimming Merit Badge
The Swimming merit badge is your chance to become a stronger, safer swimmer. It teaches you important swimming skills and how to stay safe in the water. From mastering different strokes to learning rescue techniques, this badge covers everything you need to know to be confident in the pool, lake, or ocean.
You’ll practice five key swimming strokes: front crawl, back crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke. You’ll also learn how to float and dive safely. This helps build endurance, strength, and control in the water. Along with swimming skills, you’ll learn rescue methods like throwing ropes or using a life jacket to help others in need.
The Swimming merit badge also focuses on water safety. You will learn about avoiding common dangers and why it’s important to stay calm in emergencies. By the time you complete the badge, you’ll have the skills to enjoy water activities safely and help others if needed.
Leave a Reply