Older Scouts can earn Scouting's toughest lifesaving certification.

So you've earned the Swimming, Lifesaving and Rowing merit badges. You love the water and want more.  Here's how you can earn the BSA Lifeguard certificate:

1. You must be at least 14 or have completed the eighth grade.
2. You must be able to swim 400 yards using a number of strokes in good form.
3. You must be able to demonstrate surface dives, floating and rowing skills.
4. In addition to Swimming, Lifesaving and Rowing, you should have the First Aid merit badge.
5. To complete BSA Lifeguard at camp, you must bring proof of current CPR certification from the Heart Association, American Red Cross or National Safety Council.

BSA Lifeguard certification is good for three years.  It can help you secure a job as a lifeguard and meets some of the requirements for the following Venturing awards: Outdoor Bronze, Ranger Award, Venturing Gold Award and Venturing Silver Award.

To earn this certificate at camp, plan to spend at least three hours a day on the waterfront.  In the morning, you will help teach other Scouts to swim.  In the afternoon, you will lifeguard during free swims. BSA Lifeguard instruction also involves an hour of your time each day.  The BSA Lifeguard instruction time will be set on Monday of camp and depends on the number participating.

Adult leaders may also earn BSA Lifeguard. Skills training will be substituted for the earning of the merit badges.

Ask your Scoutmaster for the detailed requirements on the application in the Summer Camp Leaders Guide.  There's a lot to do ahead of time, so come prepared.  Sounds like a lot of work?  It is!  But you'll have a lot of fun earning it, and it can help your troop with swimming and boating activities.