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Boy Scout Troop 1048
(Collinsville, Illinois)
 
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Scuba BSA Award


 

Requirements

  1. Before doing other requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. To begin the test, jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
  2. Discuss the importance of using the buddy system at all times while scuba diving. Explain that a dive buddy is there to assist with the donning and doffing of equipment, to lend assistance in case of emergency, and to share in the underwater experience. Remember, always dive with a buddy—Never dive alone!
  3. Review hazards associated with scuba diving, including causes of decompression incidents, and safety procedures to avoid them. Explain the importance of never using scuba equipment unless you are enrolled in a training exercise, or have completed a diver certification program, taught by a certified instructor.
    By the end of a Water Skills Development session, the participants will be able to meet the following requirements in clear, confined water:
  4. State the purpose of the following pieces of basic diving equipment: mask, fins, BCD, BCD inflator, regulator, air gauge, and alternate air source.
  5. Describe how to locate the air gauge, and explain how to recognize the "caution zone" on it.
  6. Don and adjust mask, fins, snorkel, BCD, scuba, and weights with the assistance of a buddy, instructor, or certified assistant.
  7. While underwater, demonstrate and recognize the following hand signals: Okay?/Okay!; Stop; Up; Down; Out of air; Come here; Ear problem; Slow down/Take it easy; Something is wrong; Watch me; Check your air supply.
  8. Inflate/deflate a BCD at the surface using the low-pressure inflator.
  9. In shallow water, demonstrate proper compressed air breathing habits; remember to breathe naturally and not hold the breath.
  10. Clear the regulator while underwater using both exhalation and purge-button methods, and resume normal breathing from it.
  11. In shallow water, recover a regulator hose from behind the shoulder while underwater.
  12. In shallow water, clear a partially flooded mask while underwater.
  13. Swim underwater with scuba equipment while maintaining control of both direction and depth, properly equalizing the ears and mask to accommodate depth changes.
  14. While underwater, locate and read submersible pressure gauge and signal whether the air supply is adequate or low based on the gauge's caution zone.
  15. In shallow water, breathe underwater for at least 30 seconds from an alternate air source supplied by the instructor.
  16. 16. Demonstrate the techniques for a proper ascent.

NOTE: The counselor for Scuba BSA must hold an instructor rating and be in current teaching status with PADI, NAUI, SSI, or other member of the RSTC in accordance with BSA scuba policies. Instruction must meet the minimum training standards for introductory scuba experiences set by the RSTC and guidelines provided in the Scuba BSA Brochure, No. 14-515. BSA scuba policies are provided in that brochure and also in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

 

Snorkeling BSA Award


 

Requirements

  1. Before doing other requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
  2. Discuss the importance of using the buddy system at all times while snorkeling and list duties of a buddy, beginning with equipment checks.
  3. Explain the function, fit, and selection of mask, fins, and snorkel. Discuss the use of inflatable flotation vests and PFDs when snorkeling in open water.
  4. In confined, shallow water (about waist deep), demonstrate use of mask and snorkel:
    1. Show how to prevent the mask from fogging and how to equalize pressure in mask, ears, and sinus cavities. With your head underwater, flood the mask, observe the effect on your vision, surface, and drain the water from the mask.
    2. With your face in the water, breathe through the snorkel. Then submerge, surface, clear water from the snorkel, and resume free breathing without removing the snorkel from your mouth.
  5. In confined, shallow water, demonstrate the use of swim fins: Do first using only fins, and then repeat with a mask and snorkel.
    1. Fit and adjust fins to feet.
    2. Walk with fins as if entering from a beach.
    3. Swim at the surface (10 yards) and underwater (three yards) using the flutter kick.
    4. Control direction without using hands while swimming with fins at the surface and underwater.
  6. In confined, deep water (six to 12 feet), demonstrate:
    1. Proper techniques for entering and exiting the water with snorkeling equipment from a dock or boat.
    2. Headfirst and feetfirst surface dives, including proper body position for safe ascent and descent.
  7. Show knowledge of snorkeling signals:
    1. Demonstrate divers' signs and signals, both audible and visual, for use at the surface and underwater.
    2. Set out a diver down flag and explain its function.
  8. In clear, confined water eight to 12 feet deep that has a firm bottom, while swimming with a buddy, use mask, fins, and snorkel to locate and recover an object from the bottom.
  9. Demonstrate basic survival skills:
    1. Float facedown for five minutes while breathing through a snorkel with a minimum of movement.
    2. Demonstrate survival floating for five minutes without use of a snorkel.
    3. Using fins, show how to tow an exhausted or unconscious buddy to safety.
  10. Review and explain the eight points of Safe Swim Defense and BSA Snorkeling Safety. Explain training, preparations, and precautions required for snorkeling in open water. Explain environmental factors that affect snorkeling and discuss special precautions needed for oceans, streams, and lakes.
  11. Explain pressure, buoyancy, and submerged optics and acoustics related to snorkel swimming and diving.
  12. Discuss the effects of submersion on the body and how to handle potentially dangerous situations:
    1. What is hyperventilation and how is it avoided?
    2. What are the symptoms and consequences of hypothermia?
    3. Why is CPR training recommended for those participating in swimming and snorkeling activities?

Mile Swim BSA Award


 

Requirements

  1. Explain how regular exercise contributes to good health and why swimming is one of the best forms of exercise.
  2. Tell what precautions and procedures a swimmer and escort must follow for distance swimming over open water.
  3. Under the supervision of a currently qualified certified aquatics instructor or equivalent, participate in four hours of training and preparation for distance swimming (one hour a day maximum).
  4. Swim one mile over a measured course that has been approved by the trained instructor who will supervise the swim.

Note: Swim-trunks emblem only.

BSA Lifeguard


 

To be trained as a BSA Lifeguard, you must successfully complete the course as outlined in the BSA Lifeguard Instructor Manual and demonstrate the ability to perform each item specified in the following requirements:

Prerequisites

Before doing requirements 6 through 26, complete the following:

  1. Submit proof of age. You must be at least 15 years old to participate.
  2. Submit written evidence of fitness for swimming activities (signed health history).
  3. 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.
  4. Immediately following the above swim, tread water for two minutes using the legs only and with the hands under the armpits.
  5. 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 with both hands holding the object, and exit the water, all within 1 minute, 40 seconds.

Requirements

Complete the following requirements within a 120-day period:

  1. Show evidence of current training in American Red Cross First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent (includes any training for a camp health officer recognized by BSA national camp standards).
  2. Demonstrate reaching assists from the deck using an arm, a rescue tube, and a pole.
  3. Demonstrate throwing assists using a throw bag and a ring buoy with a line attached. Throw each device such that the line lands within reach of a conscious subject 30 feet from shore.
  4. Demonstrate:
    1. Rescue of a conscious subject in deep water using a rescue board, kayak, rowboat, canoe, or other rescue craft that would be available at your local facility.
    2. Repeat for an unconscious subject.
  5. Demonstrate an entry and front approach with a rescue tube to a conscious subject in deep water 30 feet away from shore. Position the rescue tube to support the subject and then assist the subject to safety, providing direction and reassurance throughout.
  6. Demonstrate an entry and rear approach with a rescue tube to a conscious subject in deep water 30 feet away from shore. Secure and support the subject from behind and then move the subject to safety, providing direction and reassurance throughout.
  7. Demonstrate use of a rescue tube to assist two subjects grasping each other. Secure, support, and reassure both subjects. With the assistance of a second guard, calm and separate the subjects and move them to safety.
  8. Demonstrate both front and rear head-hold escapes from a subject's grasp.
  9. Demonstrate a feet-first entry in deep water with a rescue tube and swim an approach stroke 25 yards within 25 seconds while trailing the tube.
  10. Demonstrate an entry and front approach with a rescue tube to a face-down passive subject 30 feet away at or near the surface in deep water. Use a wrist roll to position the subject face-up on the rescue tube, tow them to safety, and remove them from the water with assistance within two minutes. Immediately perform a primary assessment and demonstrate one-person CPR for three minutes.
  11. Demonstrate an entry and rear approach with a rescue tube to a face-down unconscious subject 30 feet away at or near the surface in deep water. Position the subject face-up, tow them to safety, and remove them from the water with assistance within two minutes. Immediately perform a primary assessment and demonstrate two-person CPR for three minutes.
  12. Demonstrate in-water ventilation of an unconscious subject when prompt removal from the water is not possible. Open the airway, position the mask, and simulate ventilations.
  13. Demonstrate an entry and approach with a rescue tube for use when an unconscious subject is submerged face-down at or near the bottom in 6 to 8 feet of water. Bring the subject to the surface and tow to the nearest point of safety.
  14. Remove a subject from the water using each of the following techniques in the appropriate circumstances with the aid of a second rescuer:
    1. Vertical lift at the edge of a pool or pier using a backboard
    2. Walking assist
    3. Beach drag
  15. Participate in multiple-rescuer search techniques appropriate for a missing subject in murky water:
    1. Line search in shallow water
    2. Underwater line search in deep water without equipment
    3. Underwater line search in deep water with mask and fins
  16. Demonstrate in-line stabilization for a face-down subject with suspected spinal injury in very shallow water (18 inches or less).
  17. Demonstrate in-line stabilization for a suspected spinal injury in shallow water (waist to chest deep):
    1. For a face-up subject
    2. For a face-down subject
  18. Demonstrate in-line stabilization for a suspected spinal injury in deep water, swim the subject to shallow water, confirm vital signs, and with the assistance of three others, remove the subject from the water using a backboard with straps and a head immobilization device.
  19. Demonstrate care for a spinal injury on land in the following situations:
    1. Non-standing subject
    2. Standing subject including securing to a backboard and lowering to the ground
  20. Correctly answer 80 percent of the questions on the BSA Lifeguard knowledge test covering the course material. Review any incomplete or incorrect answers.
  21. Serve as a lifeguard, under supervision, for at least two separate BSA swimming activities for a combined time of two hours. Afterward, discuss the experience with the lifeguarding instructor.

Completion Options

Course completion cards are valid only when signed by either a current BSA Aquatics Instructor or BSA Lifeguard Instructor approved by the local council. Training is valid for two years, provided First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer training are kept current during that period.

There are five ways to obtain a course completion card:

  1. Course Completion—Complete all requirements in the instructor manual during a scheduled course of instruction. The participant must attend all course sessions. Makeup sessions are allowed at the instructor's discretion. If an individual is unable to complete all requirements during the scheduled course, the instructor may elect to continue training until the participant is able to complete all the requirements provided the total elapsed time from start to finish does not exceed the 120-day period.
  2. Renewal Challenge—Anyone with a BSA Lifeguard completion card that is current or has expired within six months may renew or extend the training by performing requirements 2 through 25 without attending the standard course sessions. Prior to the testing, the instructor may provide a renewal training session to review and update skills and information. Summer camp aquatics directors should renew training for aquatics staff members during precamp training while emphasizing local camp facilities, procedures, and emergency action plans.
  3. Crossover Challenge—Anyone who holds current training in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding, or other lifeguard training programs may obtain a BSA Lifeguard completion card by performing requirements 1 through 26 without attending the standard course sessions. The lifeguard training program that issued the training certificate must be recognized by the local or state regulatory agency that sets standards for lifeguards at youth camps. The instructor may provide a crossover training session to review and update skills and information prior to the testing. The applicant may receive credit for requirement 26 if within the past 18 months he or she has served as a lifeguard, under supervision, or has supervised lifeguards, for at least two separate BSA swimming activities for a combined time of two hours. Otherwise, due to BSA procedures not implemented at other lifeguarding venues, the applicant must accomplish requirement 26.
  4. Completion of BSA Aquatics Instructor—Anyone who completes BSA Aquatics Instructor training at National Camping School may obtain a BSA Lifeguard completion card.
  5. Co-Instructors (BSA Aquatics Instructor or BSA Lifeguard Instructor) may each sign a completion card for the other at the conclusion of a BSA Lifeguard course if they satisfy requirements 2 through 24.

 

Kayaking BSA Award



Requirements

  1. Before fulfilling the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
  2. Do the following:
    • Describe various types of kayaks and how they differ in design, materials, and purpose.
    • Name the parts of the kayak you are using for this exercise.
    • Demonstrate how to choose an appropriately sized kayak paddle and how to position your hands.
  3. Do the following:
    • Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
    • Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a PFD.
    • Explain the importance of safety equipment such as PFDs, air bags, grab loops, and helmets.
  4. Demonstrate your ability to aid yourself and others in the event of a capsize:
    • Capsize your kayak in water at least seven feet deep, perform a wet exit if necessary, and swim the boat to shore.
    • With assistance, if needed, ready the capsized craft for use.
    • Show how to approach a capsized paddler in your kayak and tow him to shore.
    • While upright in your kayak, right a capsized kayak, empty it of water, and assist the paddler aboard without returning to shore.
  5. As a solo paddler, demonstrate the following:
    • Entering and launching a kayak from shore or dock
    • Landing or docking and exiting a kayak
    • Forward stroke
    • Sweep stroke
    • Reverse sweep
    • Draw stroke
    • Rudder stroke
    • Back stroke
  6. As a solo paddler, do the following:
    • Paddle forward in a reasonably straight line.
    • Move the kayak sideways to the right and to the left.
    • Pivot 360 degrees to the right and left.
    • Stop the kayak.
  Note: Swim-trunks emblem only