Swimming Merit Badge: Worksheet & Requirements

Earning the Swimming Merit Badge from the Boy Scouts of America is an impressive achievement and can be the highlight of any Boy Scout’s career. Not only does it require a deep knowledge of all the safety rules, water rescue techniques, and swimming skills, but it will also strengthen a young man’s physical abilities and provide him with a lifelong skill. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the Swimming Merit Badge and includes a worksheet to help Scouts track their progress.

Swimming Merit Badge Requirements:

• Demonstrate the use of the jump, head-first entry in the deep end of the pool.
• Show evidence of the ability to swim the front crawl, elementary backstroke, and breaststroke for a distance of at least 100 yards.
• Demonstrate the ability to tread water for at least one minute.
• Demonstrate the “eggbeater” kick.
• Demonstrate the ability to float on the back and stomach for at least one minute each.
• Demonstrate the ability to surface dive and swim underwater for at least five yards.
• Show evidence of the ability to perform a reaching assist and a hasty rescue.
• Show evidence of the ability to perform a moving assist and a defensive crouch rescue.
• Discuss with your merit badge counselor the dangers of swimming and discuss what precautions should be taken against each.
• Discuss with your merit badge counselor water sports safety, including the use of personal flotation devices.
• Discuss with your merit badge counselor how swimming relates to fitness and good health.

Worksheet:

To help Scouts stay organized and track their progress towards their Swimming Merit Badge, download this helpful worksheet. It includes information about all the requirements and provides space for Scouts to track their progress and record their completion times for each skill.

Download the Swimming Merit Badge Worksheet

Conclusion:

The Swimming Merit Badge is a fantastic achievement and can be a great addition to any Boy Scout’s collection. With a comprehensive knowledge of water safety and swimming skills, Scouts can enjoy swimming and get in great shape while doing it! Download our helpful worksheet to help Scouts organize their progress towards their Swimming Merit Badge.