6. Aquatics

Pass BSA swimmer test

6a.
Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.4, 5

The BSA swimmer test is the essential milestone that qualifies a Scout for deep-water swimming, open-water activities, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and aquatic high-adventure trips.

Merit Badge Guide Swimming Merit Badge Guide
Fulfill the foundational aquatics requirements for the Swimming and Lifesaving merit badges.
Related Guide: Swimming Merit Badge Guide — https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/swimming/guide/

The Complete BSA Swimmer Test Sequence

Under the direct supervision of a certified lifeguard or aquatics instructor, the test must be completed in one continuous swim, without stopping, standing, or holding onto the side of the pool:

Jump Feetfirst into Deep Water

  • Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth.
  • Level off smoothly and transition into swimming position on the surface without touching the edge or bottom.

Swim 75 Yards in a Strong Manner

  • Swim 75 yards continuously on the surface using one or more of the following strong, propulsive strokes:
    • Front Crawl (Freestyle): Overhand arm recovery with high elbow, continuous flutter kick from the hips, and rhythmic side-breathing.
    • Breaststroke: Synchronized pull-breathe-kick-glide sequence. Arms sweep out and back to shoulder level as the head lifts to breathe; legs draw up for a powerful frog/whip kick as the arms thrust forward into a streamlined glide.
    • Sidestroke: Body positioned on the side with face out of water. Lead arm reaches forward while trailing arm pulls along the torso, powered by a wide scissor kick snapped shut into an energy-saving glide.
    • Trudgen: Overhand crawl arm stroke paired with an alternating scissor kick performed each time the body rolls to breathe.

Swim 25 Yards of Resting Backstroke

  • Transition directly into an easy, energy-conserving resting backstroke for the final 25 yards (completing 100 yards total).
  • Elementary Backstroke: Float faceup on your back. Hands slide up along the sides of the torso to the armpits, reach straight out to a “T” position, and sweep down against the hips while executing a smooth whip kick, finishing in an extended resting glide.

Continuous Execution and Sharp Turn

  • The entire 100-yard swim must be completed without stopping or resting on the bottom or pool edge.
  • The swim must include at least one sharp, intentional 180-degree turn.

Rest by Floating

  • Immediately upon finishing the 100-yard swim, demonstrate your ability to rest by floating faceup or survival floating with minimal movement for 1 full minute.