Swimming Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Pool, waterfront
Best For: Scouts who enjoy swimming, water activities
Hands-On Level: High
Eagle Required: Yes*

*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.

The Swimming merit badge helps you become a stronger and safer swimmer. As you work through the requirements, you will practice important swimming skills and learn how to handle different situations in the water. Whether you swim for fun, exercise, or adventure, these skills can help you feel more confident.

You will learn several swimming strokes, improve your endurance, and practice water safety. The badge also teaches you what to do in emergencies and how to respond when someone needs help. These are practical skills that can be useful throughout your life.

Many Scout activities take place on or near the water. Earning the Swimming merit badge prepares you for adventures such as boating, kayaking, and other aquatics programs. It is also one of the merit badges that can be used for the Eagle Scout rank, making it an important step in your Scouting journey.

The requirements for the Swimming merit badge were updated on January 1, 2026.

Swimming Merit Badge Requirements

Swimming Merit Badge Pamphlet

Swimming Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

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
• Requirement 2: Scouting America Swimmer Test
• Requirement 3: Swimming Strokes
• Requirement 4: Endurance
• Requirement 5: Water Rescue Methods
• Requirement 6: Water Survival
• Requirement 7: Surface Dives
• Requirement 8: Headfirst Dives
• Requirement 9: Health Benefits of Swimming
• More Resources

Requirement 1a: Safe Swim Defense

What You Need To Do

Review Safe Swim Defense with your counselor. Be ready to discuss how the guidelines help prevent drowning and other emergencies in a variety of swimming situations.

Helpful Tips

• Safe Swim Defense uses qualified supervision, the buddy system, ability groups, and safe swimming areas.Adults supervise all swimming activities and enforce safety rules.
• Unfenced residential pools need close adult supervision and clear rules to prevent unsupervised entry.
• The buddy system helps swimmers watch out for each other.
• Lookouts watch the entire swimming area and respond quickly to problems.
• Swimming areas are checked for hazards such as drop-offs, currents, and underwater obstacles.
• Nonswimmers should stay in designated shallow-water areas and use the buddy system.
• Running, pushing, dunking, and horseplay increase the risk of injuries and drowning.
• Medical conditions such as seizures, asthma, or heart problems may require extra precautions before swimming.
• Drop-offs can cause swimmers to suddenly move from shallow water into deep water.
• Cold water can lower body temperature quickly and lead to hypothermia.
• Murky water makes it difficult to see hazards and swimmers who may be in trouble.
• River currents can pull swimmers away from safe areas and make swimming difficult.
• Rip currents move away from shore and can carry swimmers into deeper water.
• Surf and waves can knock swimmers down and make it harder to return to shore.

Resources

Safe Swim Defense (website)

Leader Tips

• Review each hazard separately instead of covering them all at once.
• Use examples from pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches.
• Help Scouts connect each hazard with Safe Swim Defense practices.
• Encourage discussion about how supervision, planning, and discipline improve safety.

Requirement 1b: Swimming Health Concerns

What You Need To Do

Discuss common health concerns that can happen while swimming. Cover ways to prevent problems and basic steps to take when they occur.

Helpful Tips

• Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat.
• Get out of cold water, dry off, and warm up if signs of hypothermia appear.
• Drink water often to help prevent dehydration.
• Use sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce the risk of sunburn.
• Heat exhaustion can cause weakness, dizziness, and heavy sweating.
• Heatstroke is a serious emergency that requires immediate medical help.
• Muscle cramps can happen from fatigue, dehydration, or overuse.
• Slow, steady breathing helps prevent hyperventilation.
• Never dive into water unless the depth is known and safe.
• Suspected spinal injuries require immediate emergency assistance and very little movement.
• Wash cuts and scrapes with clean water and protect them with a bandage.
• Some stings and bites need first aid and medical attention if symptoms become serious.

Resources

• Learn more about hypothermia (website)
• 10 Common Summer Safety Emergencies (website)

Leader Tips

• Connect each health concern with situations Scouts may encounter at camp or during aquatics activities.
• Review prevention methods before discussing treatment.
• Encourage Scouts to use proper hydration and sun protection during outdoor events.
• Include examples of when emergency medical help is needed.

Requirement 2: Scouting America Swimmer Test

What You Need To Do

Complete the Scouting America swimmer test before working on the remaining Swimming merit badge requirements. The test includes a 100-yard swim using approved strokes, a sharp turn, and a floating rest.

Helpful Tips

• Start by jumping feet first into water over your head.
• Swim 75 yards using strong strokes such as the front crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, or trudgen.
• Use one or more of these strokes during the first 75 yards.
• Swim the final 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke.
• Complete the entire 100-yard swim without stopping.
• Make a sharp turn during the swim to show control in the water.
• Keep your strokes smooth and steady instead of swimming too fast at the beginning.
• Practice breathing regularly to avoid getting tired too quickly.
• After finishing the swim, float calmly to demonstrate a resting position.
• Spend time practicing endurance before taking the test.

Resources

• Scouting America Swimmer Test (website)
• Swimming Merit Badge Pamphlet (PDF)

Leader Tips

• Make sure Scouts know the exact swimmer test requirements before testing.
• Give Scouts opportunities to practice the required strokes.
• Encourage steady pacing during the swim.
• Allow extra practice sessions for Scouts who need to build endurance or confidence.

Requirement 3a: Front Crawl or Trudgen

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate either the front crawl or the trudgen using good form. Show smooth movements, proper breathing, and steady forward progress.

Helpful Tips

• The front crawl is also called freestyle.
• The front crawl uses alternating arm strokes and a flutter kick.
• Turn your head to the side to breathe during the front crawl.
• The trudgen uses alternating arm strokes and a scissor kick.
• Keep your body as straight and level as possible.
• Reach forward with each stroke to improve efficiency.
• Use a steady rhythm instead of rushing.
• Avoid lifting your head too high while swimming.

Resources

• Learn To Swim Freestyle | A Simple Step-by-Step Guide (video)
• How To Swim Front Crawl? (video)

Leader Tips

• Watch for smooth body position and consistent movement.
• Encourage relaxed breathing during the stroke.
• Focus on technique before speed.
• Give Scouts time to practice and improve.

Requirement 3b: Back Crawl

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate the back crawl using good form. Swim on your back while using alternating arm strokes and a flutter kick.

Helpful Tips

• Keep your face above the water.
• Use alternating arm movements throughout the stroke.
• Kick continuously with a flutter kick.
• Keep your body close to the surface.
• Look straight up instead of lifting your head.
• Rotate your shoulders naturally during the stroke.
• Maintain a steady rhythm.
• Practice swimming in a straight line.

Resources

• How To Swim Backstroke (video)
• How To Swim Backstroke (video)

Leader Tips

• Check body position and kicking technique.
• Remind Scouts to keep their hips near the surface.
• Encourage long, smooth arm strokes.
• Provide opportunities for repeated practice.

Requirement 3c: Sidestroke

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate the sidestroke using good form. Show proper arm movements and a strong scissor kick.

Helpful Tips

• Swim on your side with one shoulder above the water.
• The sidestroke uses a scissor kick.
• Pull with the leading arm and recover smoothly.
• Bring both legs together after each kick.
• Glide briefly between strokes.
• Keep your movements smooth and controlled.
• This stroke is useful for conserving energy.
• Practice on both sides if possible.

Resources

• How To Swim Side Stroke (video)

Leader Tips

• Focus on the timing between the arms and legs.
• Encourage a smooth glide after each kick.
• Watch for proper body position.
• Remind Scouts to avoid rushing the stroke.

Requirement 3d: Breaststroke

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate the breaststroke using good form. Use coordinated arm movements and a frog kick to move through the water.

Helpful Tips

• Pull your arms out and then back toward your chest.
• Use a frog kick with both legs moving together.
• Glide after each stroke cycle.
• Keep your movements symmetrical.
• Lift your head briefly to breathe.
• Return your face to the water after breathing.
• Maintain a steady rhythm.
• Focus on efficiency instead of speed.

Resources

• How To Swim Breaststroke Properly! (video)
• How To Swim Breaststroke (video)

Leader Tips

• Watch for proper kick technique.
• Encourage a glide after each stroke.
• Check that both arms and legs move together.
• Help Scouts develop a smooth rhythm.

Requirement 3e: Elementary Backstroke

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate the elementary backstroke using good form. Swim on your back using simple arm movements and a frog kick.

Helpful Tips

• Keep your face above the water.
• Start with your arms at your sides.
• Sweep your arms upward and then return them to your sides.
• Use a frog kick similar to the breaststroke kick.
• Glide after each kick and arm movement.
• Keep your body relaxed.
• Move slowly and smoothly.
• This is a useful resting stroke for long swims.

Resources

• Learn To Swim Elementary Backstroke (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage relaxed, controlled movements.
• Watch for a proper frog kick.
• Remind Scouts to glide between strokes.
• Focus on comfort and efficiency in the water.

Requirement 4: Swimming Endurance

What You Need To Do

Swim 150 yards continuously using all five required strokes. Complete the required distance for each stroke without stopping and maintain good form throughout the swim.

Helpful Tips

• Swim 25 yards of front crawl or trudgen.
• Swim 25 yards of back crawl.
• Swim 25 yards of sidestroke.
• Swim 25 yards of breaststroke.
• Swim 50 yards of elementary backstroke.
• Pace yourself so you have enough energy for the entire swim.
• Focus on smooth, efficient strokes instead of speed.
• Breathe regularly during each stroke.
• Practice switching from one stroke to another without stopping.
• Keep moving steadily from start to finish.
• The elementary backstroke section is longer because it is a restful stroke.
• Regular lap swimming can help build endurance for this requirement.

Leader Tips

• Watch for continuous swimming and proper stroke technique.
• Encourage Scouts to maintain a steady pace.
• Remind Scouts to use good form even when they become tired.
• Provide practice opportunities before evaluating the requirement.

Requirement 5a: Water Rescue Methods

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate several ways to help a person in trouble without entering the water. Show reaching rescues, throwing rescues, and explain why these methods are safer than swimming rescues.

Helpful Tips

• Follow the rescue order: Reach, Throw, Row, Go.
• Reach with your arm, leg, pole, paddle, or another suitable object when the victim is close.
• Lie down or brace yourself before reaching to avoid being pulled into the water.
• Throw a rope, life jacket, ring buoy, or floating object when the victim is farther away.
• Aim beyond the victim so the line or object lands within reach.
• Swimming rescues carry more risk for the rescuer.
• A panicked victim may grab, climb on, or push down a rescuer.
• Reaching and throwing rescues keep the rescuer out of the water.
• If a swimming rescue becomes necessary, use a flotation device whenever possible.
• A rescue swimmer should stay out of the victim’s reach until the victim has a flotation aid.
• Direct contact increases the chance of injury to both people.
• Staying calm and giving clear instructions helps during a rescue.

Resources

• Water Rescue Methods (website)

Leader Tips

• Provide opportunities to practice both reaching and throwing rescues.
• Discuss the rescue order and why it is used.
• Emphasize rescuer safety throughout the activity.
• Use realistic rescue scenarios during practice.

Requirement 5b: Line Rescue

What You Need To Do

With a helper and a practice victim, demonstrate a line rescue. Serve as both the rescuer and the tender while assisting a victim about 30 feet from shore in deep water.

Helpful Tips

• The rescuer throws the line to the victim.
• The tender manages the rope and helps prevent tangles.
• Coil the rope before throwing for better accuracy.
• Throw beyond the victim and pull the line back within reach if needed.
• Give clear instructions so the victim knows what to do.
• Pull the victim in slowly and steadily.
• Keep tension on the line during the rescue.
• Good communication between the rescuer and tender helps the rescue go smoothly.
• Practice both roles so you know each person’s responsibilities.
• Stay focused on the victim during the entire rescue.

Leader Tips

• Let Scouts practice several throws before evaluation.
• Rotate roles so every Scout serves as rescuer and tender.
• Watch for safe rope handling techniques.
• Encourage teamwork and clear communication.

Requirement 6a: Floating Faceup

What You Need To Do

Float on your back in a resting position for at least three minutes. Use very little movement while staying comfortable and relaxed.

Helpful Tips

• Keep your face above the water.
• Relax your neck and shoulders.
• Spread your arms and legs slightly for balance.
• Take slow, steady breaths.
• Keep your body close to the surface.
• Small hand or foot movements can help maintain balance.
• Looking straight up can help keep your head in the correct position.
• Staying calm makes floating easier.
• Practice in calm water before testing.
• The goal is to conserve energy while remaining afloat.

Resources

• How To Float on Your Back for Beginners | Watch This Before You Give Up (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to relax and breathe normally.
• Remind Scouts to use only small movements.
• Allow practice time before evaluation.
• Watch for a comfortable floating position.

Requirement 6b: Survival Floating

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate survival floating for at least five minutes. Use slow movements and controlled breathing to stay afloat while conserving energy.

Helpful Tips

• Survival floating is usually done face down.
• Raise your head only when it is time to breathe.
• Take a breath and return your face to the water.
• Move your arms and legs slowly.
• Avoid unnecessary motion.
• Maintain a steady breathing pattern.
• This technique helps conserve energy during long periods in the water.
• Calm movements make the float easier.
• Practice finding a comfortable rhythm.
• Focus on staying relaxed.

Leader Tips

• Demonstrate the breathing pattern before practice.
• Encourage slow, controlled movements.
• Remind Scouts to avoid wasting energy.
• Allow enough time for Scouts to become comfortable with the technique.

Requirement 6c: HELP And Huddle Positions

What You Need To Do

While wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, demonstrate the HELP position and the huddle position. Explain how these positions help reduce heat loss in cold water.

Helpful Tips

• HELP stands for Heat Escape Lessening Position.
• The HELP position is used when you are alone in cold water.
• Pull your knees toward your chest while wearing a life jacket.
• Keep your arms close to your body.
• This position helps protect areas where heat is lost quickly.
• The huddle position is used when several people are together in the water.
• Group members stay close with arms around one another.
• Legs should be drawn up when possible.
• The huddle position helps reduce heat loss and improves visibility for rescuers.
• Both positions are designed to conserve body heat while waiting for rescue.

Resources

• PFD’s H.E.L.P. & Huddle Positions (video)

Leader Tips

• Make sure life jackets fit properly before practice.
• Demonstrate both positions before Scouts try them.
• Discuss situations where each position would be used.
• Emphasize heat conservation as the main purpose.

Requirement 6d: Cold Water And Hypothermia

What You Need To Do

Explain why swimming or survival floating in cold water can speed up the onset of hypothermia.

Helpful Tips

• Cold water removes body heat much faster than cold air.
• Movement causes the body to lose heat more quickly.
• Swimming uses muscles and increases energy use.
• Arm and leg movements expose more of the body to cold water.
• Survival floating uses less energy than swimming but still involves movement.
• The longer a person remains active in cold water, the faster heat is lost.
• Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops to dangerous levels.
• Shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination are common signs of hypothermia.
• Wearing a life jacket helps reduce the need for movement.
• HELP and huddle positions reduce heat loss while waiting for rescue.

Leader Tips

• Discuss how quickly cold water can affect a swimmer.
• Compare heat loss during swimming and heat conservation positions.
• Review common signs of hypothermia.
• Connect this requirement to the HELP and huddle positions.

Requirement 7a: Feetfirst Surface Dive

What You Need To Do

Use a feetfirst surface dive in water over your head and retrieve an object from the bottom. Bring the object back to the surface.

Helpful Tips

• Start in a vertical position.
• Push downward with your hands to help your body sink.
• Point your feet toward the bottom.
• Keep your eyes on the object as you descend.
• Equalize pressure in your ears if needed.
• Grab the object securely before returning to the surface.
• Push off the bottom if allowed and safe.
• Hold the object firmly while ascending.
• Surface slowly and in control.
• Practice in water where the bottom is clearly visible.

Resources

• How To Do a Feetfirst Surface Dive (video)

Leader Tips

• Demonstrate the feetfirst dive before practice.
• Watch for controlled movement during the descent.
• Make sure the diving area is safe and clear.
• Encourage Scouts to keep the object secure during the ascent.

Requirement 7b: Headfirst Surface Dive

What You Need To Do

Use either a pike dive or a tuck dive to reach the bottom and retrieve an object. Bring the object back to the surface.

Helpful Tips

• The pike dive starts by bending at the waist.
• In a pike dive, your legs point upward as your upper body moves downward.
• The tuck dive starts by pulling your knees toward your chest.
• Both methods help you descend quickly.
• Extend your arms toward the bottom during the dive.
• Keep your eyes on the object.
• Move smoothly instead of rushing.
• Grab the object securely before ascending.
• Return to the surface in a controlled manner.
• Practice both diving methods if possible.

Resources

• How To Do a Headfirst Surface Dive (video)

Leader Tips

• Let Scouts try both pike and tuck dives.
• Focus on safe diving technique.
• Watch for good body position during the descent.
• Provide practice time before evaluation.

Requirement 7c: Underwater Swimming Sequence

What You Need To Do

Perform a headfirst surface dive to a depth of at least 5 feet. Swim underwater for three strokes, surface for a breath, and repeat the sequence two more times.

Helpful Tips

• Use a pike or tuck dive to begin each sequence.
• Reach a depth of at least 5 feet before swimming underwater.
• Take three strong underwater strokes.
• Surface calmly for a breath.
• Repeat the sequence a total of three times.
• Maintain control throughout the activity.
• Avoid rushing between dives.
• Use efficient underwater movements.
• Take a full breath each time you surface.
• Practice equalizing pressure if your ears become uncomfortable.
• Follow all pool or waterfront safety rules.
• Stop and notify an instructor if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

Leader Tips

• Ensure the water depth meets the requirement.
• Watch for safe underwater swimming practices.
• Encourage controlled breathing between repetitions.
• Monitor Scouts closely during all underwater activities.

Requirement 8: Headfirst Dives

What You Need To Do

Demonstrate a standing headfirst dive and a long shallow dive from a dock or pool deck. Follow Safe Swim Defense guidelines and use water that meets the required depth for diving.

Helpful Tips

• Always check the water depth before diving.
• Follow local laws and facility rules about diving depths.
• Stand at the edge with your toes close to the water.
• Keep your body straight during the dive.
• Extend your arms in front of your head to protect your neck and head.
• Enter the water in a controlled manner.
• A standing headfirst dive angles downward into the water.
• A long shallow dive travels forward near the surface instead of going deep.
• Never dive into unknown water.
• Look for underwater hazards before diving.
• Wait until the diving area is clear of other swimmers.
• Practice proper technique under qualified supervision.

Leader Tips

• Verify that the water depth meets all safety requirements.
• Review Safe Swim Defense diving guidelines before practice.
• Watch for proper body position and controlled entries.
• Emphasize safety and technique rather than distance or speed.

Requirement 9: Health Benefits Of Swimming

What You Need To Do

Explain how regular aerobic exercise benefits the body. Discuss why swimming is a popular choice for both fitness training and therapeutic exercise.

Helpful Tips

• Aerobic exercise increases heart and lung efficiency.
• Regular aerobic activity improves endurance.
• Exercise helps control body weight.
• Physical activity strengthens muscles throughout the body.
• Aerobic exercise can help lower the risk of many health problems.
• Swimming provides a full-body workout.
• Water supports the body’s weight and reduces stress on joints.
• Swimming can improve flexibility and coordination.
• Many people with injuries can exercise in water more comfortably than on land.
• Swimming is often used during rehabilitation and recovery programs.
• Water resistance helps build strength during exercise.
• People of many ages and fitness levels can participate in swimming activities.

Resources

• What Happens to Your Body When You Swim? (video)
• 10 Health Benefits of Swimming (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to connect swimming with overall fitness.
• Discuss both fitness and therapeutic uses of swimming.
• Ask Scouts for examples of aerobic activities besides swimming.
• Relate the discussion to healthy lifestyle habits.

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.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Swimming Merit Badge is one of the core outdoor badges and is part of the wide range of choices Scouts can explore. It teaches a useful life skill while offering physical activity, safety awareness, and confidence in the water. In a program with many different badges, Swimming stands out because it supports both fun and personal safety. It also gives Scouts a solid foundation for other badges and outdoor activities.

The badge fits well within the larger merit badge program because it blends skill building with clear requirements that help Scouts grow. It shows how the program offers both practical skills and personal challenge. Like other badges, it encourages steady progress and hands-on learning.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Swimming Merit Badge also supports the broader goals of Scouts BSA. It connects directly to fitness, since Scouts practice strength, stamina, and safe movement in the water. It also teaches responsibility through learning rescue skills.

This badge helps Scouts develop confidence as they practice clear steps and learn to stay calm in real situations. It supports leadership and citizenship because Scouts learn to watch out for others and follow safe habits. It fits well with the program’s focus on healthy growth and personal development.

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 Scouting America 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.

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.