BSA Lifeguard training is focused on the need to provide BSA operated facilities, such as summer camps, and units with quality aquatics programs. The program is open to all registered adults and older youth. BSA Lifeguard is an all-day program, running all six merit badge periods and all Twilight sessions. It is a very rigorous and physically demanding week of swimming, rowing, and lifesaving skills.
- To complete the BSA Lifeguard course, participants must pass the practical test and written test of the program.
- Participation in the BSA Lifeguard course does not guarantee that you will earn the qualification as a BSA Lifeguard.
- Participants must show the maturity necessary to be a professional rescuer and a model of aquatics leadership.
- Participants will also need to show proof of certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid that have an expiration date no earlier than December 31, 2017.
- Training is valid for 3 years as long as CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certification is kept current.
Prerequisites:
- Submit proof of age – must be at least 15 years old to participate.
- Submit written evidence of fitness for swimming activities (signed BSA health form)
- Swim continuously for 550 yards, including at least 100 yards each of the following strokes in good form: front crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke.
- Immediately following the above swim, tread water for two minutes.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using a front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7 to 10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object, surface, swim with the object 20 yards back to the starting point and exit the water within one minute 40 seconds.