No Boy Scout will ignore a plea for help. However, the desire to help is of little use unless one knows how to give the proper aid. The main purpose of the Lifesaving merit badge is to prepare Scouts to assist those involved in water accidents, teaching them the basic knowledge of rescue techniques, the skills to perform them, and the judgment to know when and how to act so that they can be prepared for emergencies.
- The Lifesaving merit badge was one of the original 57 merit badges issued by the Boy Scouts of America in 1911.
- Lifesaving merit badge is required for the National Outdoor Badge for Aquatics.

Lifesaving merit badge is an option for the Eagle Scout rank. Scouts can choose to earn Emergency Preparedness instead.