BSA Lifeguard

On the first day of class, participants must be at least 14 years of age, swim 400 yards continuously using the front crawl, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, and breaststroke and recover a 10 pound brick in 9 feet of water.

This is a Boy Scout course designed to provide units with certified members who can give leadership for activities on or around the water. This course will satisfy almost all of the requirements except for some boating skills that we cannot satisfy in a pool. Boating requirements can be completed in minimal time at summer camp. First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer are a required part of the course and are inluded in the course fee. All water sessions will take place at Centennial High School Pool from 11:00 am - 5:45 pm. All sessions must be attended and absences will not be made up. Maximum of 10 participants.

1. Swim 400 yards using a combination of strokes
   1. 50 yards elementary backstroke
   2. 50 yards breaststroke
   3. 50 yards front crawl
   4. 50 yards sidestroke
2. Surface dive in 8-10 ft of water to retrieve 10 lb weight
3. Float - Demonstrate ability to rest
4. Dive - Perform long, shallow dive
5. Show evidence of Rowing Merit Badge

1. Long shallow dive into deep water; swim 25 yards in 20 sec. or less
2. Throw a line for accuracy 10 yards, three times in one minute
3. Rescue a swimmer using a rowboat
4. Demonstrate front approach rescues using a rescue tube
5. Unconscious rescue using front approach
6. Rescue using rear approach - tow
7. Rescue using rear approach - cross chest carry
8. Demonstrate four different defenses and escapes
9. Demonstrate four different techniques to remove a victim from water
10. Rescue simulating a spinal injury - shallow
11. Rescue simulating a spinal injury - deep water
12. Participate in Backboarding in shallow water
13. Perform all requirements of BSA Snorkeling Award

1. Show evidence of skill required for First Aid Merit Badge
2. Demonstrate skills to treat near drowning; how to protect against bloodborne pathogens and other related first aid items
3. Current CPR certification from American Red Cross, National Safety Council, or American Heart Association.

1. Explain how to guard the following activities:
   1. Recreational swim
   2. Unit Swim
   3. Instructional Swim
   4. Boating Activity Special Event
2. Serve as a lifeguard in a supervised setting for at least two activities totaling 2-3 hours