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Stuff Every Lifesaving Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Lifesaving merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Lifesaving Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Fire Prevention and Alarms

What is the 10/20 Protection Standard about?

Short answer: Scanning the area in 10 seconds and reaching any swimmer within 20 seconds

The standard requires scanning the area in 10 seconds and being no more than 20 seconds from any swimmer in difficulty.

Groan of the day: Ten twenty keeps trouble on the clock.

Sources: Lifeguard

What does an active drowning person often look like?

Short answer: Arms moving laterally with a vertical body and no forward progress

Active drowning signs include lateral arm movement, a vertical body, no supporting kick, and no forward progress.

Groan of the day: Active drowning is not waving hello, it is waving for help.

Sources: Lifeguard

What is a rip current?

Short answer: A narrow current moving away from shore

A rip is a strong, narrow current that moves directly away from the shore.

Groan of the day: A rip current is a real rip-off of your energy.

Sources: Rip current

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • The badge prepares Scouts to help in water accidents with rescue knowledge, skills, and judgment.
  • Safe Swim Defense principles are reviewed first to build a safety foundation.
  • The Swimming merit badge is a prerequisite for the later Lifesaving requirements.
  • You swim 400 yards total, with at least 50 continuous yards per stroke.
  • These four strokes are required, each for at least 50 continuous yards.
  • Unfenced residential pools are a listed drowning hazard to recognize and avoid.
  • Rip currents are a named hazard; learn to recognize them and avoid them.
  • Recognizing people who need help is a core skill, since drowning can be quiet.
  • Knowing the order of rescue methods helps you choose the safest approach first.
  • Techniques change based on the setting and the condition of the person needing help.
  • Recognizing when not to enter the water is a key judgment skill.
  • Throwing rescues use lines, ring buoys, rescue bags, and free-floating support.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What is the main purpose of the Lifesaving merit badge?
    • To prepare Scouts to assist in water accidents
    • To teach competitive swimming racing
    • To certify Scouts as pool managers
    Show the answer

    To prepare Scouts to assist in water accidents. The badge prepares Scouts to help in water accidents with rescue knowledge, skills, and judgment.

  2. What should you learn about some in-water rescues?
    • How to do them without training
    • Situations when they should not be undertaken
    • How to always attempt them
    Show the answer

    Situations when they should not be undertaken. Recognizing when not to enter the water is a key judgment skill.

  3. What nonbuoyant aid can be used to tow a subject?
    • A ring buoy
    • A rescue bag
    • A shirt or towel
    Show the answer

    A shirt or towel. A shirt or towel can serve as a nonbuoyant aid to tow a subject to safety.

  4. Which approach and tow is used for an unconscious subject from the rear?
    • Rear approach and armpit tow
    • Front approach and wrist tow
    • Equipment assist
    Show the answer

    Rear approach and armpit tow. The rear approach and armpit tow is another method for an unconscious subject.

  5. Which heat-related problem should you discuss for swimming or boating?
    • Only muscle growth
    • Heat-related illnesses
    • Only cold water shock
    Show the answer

    Heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses are discussed along with prevention and treatment.

Now make it stick

Read a chapter, then play the deck and see how much stuck.

This guide covers the 50 free cards. The other 10 are in the game for members.

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