The Swimming program feature helps Scouts learn how to safely enjoy fun and physical activity in the water. Scouts also need to know how to swim to enjoy other aquatics activities such as boating and paddling.
Swimming Merit Badge
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.
Printable helps for requirements:
Printable requirements for Swimming Merit Badge
Swimming Merit Badge Helps and Documents
By completing the requirements for the Swimming merit badge, Scouts learn to safely enjoy activities in the water. They learn about water rescue methods and swimming strokes. Then they show that they have the skills to safely participate in aquatics activities.
Water Rescue Methods
Water rescue methods are methods used to rescue someone who is in trouble in the water. You will see these methods throughout the BSA programs from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA to Venturing.
BSA Swim Test
The BSA swim test is used to determine ability level so that participants can swim in an area which is appropriate for them.
Camp Programs for First Year Scouts BSA
Summer camp is usually the highlight of the Scouting year. It can be particularly exciting for first year Scouts BSA. It can also be a little intimidating. A program designed specifically for new Scouts will help them adjust to camp life.
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety | Skill Level Limits
The most familiar application of skill level limits is the swim tests which are administered at summer camp. But there are other examples as well.