# Pass BSA swimmer test

Part of the First Class guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/first-class/guide/index.md)

*6. Aquatics*

> **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](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/swimming/guide/): Fulfill the foundational aquatics requirements for the Swimming and Lifesaving merit badges.

## 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**.

> **Tip**
>
> The resting backstroke and 1-minute float at the end are not an afterthought — they test your ability to conserve energy and stay calm when fatigued, which is the most critical survival skill in open water.

> **Tip**
>
> The swimmer test must be administered under current Safe Swim Defense guidelines by a qualified aquatics instructor or lifeguard. All Scout swimmer classifications are re-tested annually.

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