Swimming is about having fun in the water while staying safe. You'll learn Safe Swim Defense, practice rescues from land, and try the swimmer test. Every swimmer can grow their skills here.
Why it's worth it
Swimming opens up most of the best things at summer camp: canoes, kayaks, snorkeling, and the waterfront. You'll learn Safe Swim Defense, the rules Scouts follow every time they swim, practice rescues from land, and try the swimmer test. Passing it now means you can jump right into troop water activities.
Start this week
- Ask your adult to find a lifeguarded pool and an open swim time this week.
- Practice floating on your back for as long as you can while an adult watches.
- Say the order of rescue out loud: reach, throw, row, go. Then talk about why you stay on land.
Stay safe
- Swim only under Safe Swim Defense with a qualified adult and lifeguards watching, and always with a buddy.
- Practice rescues from land or the deck only. Never go in after someone.
Requirements · 4
Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).
Note: Can also be earned by passing the Scouting America swimmer test or by taking swimming lessons
- Requirement 1
Review Safe Swim Defense
Tip: Talk with a trained leader about Safe Swim Defense rules like buddies and lifeguards.
For example: Safe Swim Defense includes a qualified adult supervisor, a health check, a safe swim area, lifeguards and a lookout, ability groups, the buddy system, and good discipline. Talk about why each one matters.
- Requirement 2
Explain what "order of rescue" means; demonstrate the reach and throw rescues from land
Tip: Remember: reach, throw, don't go. Practice with a pole and a rope or float from the side.
For example: Reach: lie flat on the deck and stretch out a pole or towel so you don't get pulled in. Throw: toss a ring buoy or rope bag past the swimmer and pull them to the edge. Practice with a buddy acting as the swimmer.
- Requirement 3
Attempt the Scouting America swimmer test
Tip: Give the swimmer test your best try. It's okay if you need more practice.
For example: The swimmer test includes a jump into water over your head, a longer swim with an easy resting backstroke at the end, and a float. If you don't pass yet, practice the part that was hardest and try again.
- Requirement 4
Free swim for 30 minutes or more using the buddy system and staying in your ability group; the supervising adult does at least three buddy checks each half hour
Tip: Stay with your buddy and in your ability group, and check in when the lifeguard calls.
Places to visit
Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.
A pool with swim lessons or a council camp waterfront
Instructors and lifeguards can coach your strokes and run the swimmer test.
How: Have your adult ask the pool about lessons or swim test days, or ask your den leader about council aquatics events.
Talk about it together
- How did you feel before and after the swimmer test?
- Why is it important to stay out of the water during a rescue?
- What did you and your buddy do to look out for each other?
- What do you want to get better at in the water?
Helpful reads
- Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read
- From Arrow of Light to a troop, What changes when you join a Scouts BSA troop, how to visit and choose one, good questions to ask, and how to make your first year a great one., Youth · Families · 4 min read
For leaders & parents
- Hold swims at a pool or site with a certified lifeguard and follow Safe Swim Defense.
- Encourage nervous swimmers; attempting the test is what counts here.
People & places that can help
- Local pool or YMCA — Swim lessons and lifeguarded open swim.
- American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) — Water safety tips and swim programs.
- Aquatics Safety (Guide to Safe Scouting) (opens in a new tab) — Scouting's rules for swimming and boating, including Safe Swim Defense.
- USA Swimming Foundation (opens in a new tab) — Learn-to-swim programs and water safety for kids.
- Red Cross Water Safety (opens in a new tab) — Tips for staying safe at pools, lakes, and beaches.
Pairs well with
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Into this? Explore more
Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.