BSA Lifeguard- new requirements?

[Swim4lyfe]

I recently took the BSA Lifeguard program at summer camp, and I have a few questions on some unrequired topics that should be required. Firstly, how come the Swimming and First Aid merit badges are not required for taking the course? Obviously a leader would not be able to complete the merit badges, but they should be able to show knowledge of Swimming and First Aid equivalent to the merit badges. A second thing that surprised me is although CPR is required for final certification, First Aid certification is not. Why not?

[9009scoutmaster]

CPR certification is either by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. What orginization would the First Aid Certification be from.

We in Scouting have a First Aid MB which is basic first aid. Also other merit badges have first Aid requirements such as Emergency Prep, wilderness survival, backpacking, athletics, Fishing, just to name a few. That is why the first Aid MB is not a requirement to take BSA Lifeguard. The first aid MB is basic, then we have first aid requirements for the activities that require them.

[wagionvigil]

When I was Aquatics Director in the late 60's and early 70's. Swimming,Lifesaving,Rowing,Canoeing and First AId Merit Badges were required Before taking BSA Life Guard. Adults that took BSA LG were expected to be "able" to meet these same requirements but without actuall taking the MB. Actually BSA Life Guard today is not much more than what Lifesaving was back then. Lifesaving was watered Down a lot when it became an optional required. AS did Swimming.

[Swim4lyfe]

CPR certification is either by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. What orginization would the First Aid Certification be from.

We in Scouting have a First Aid MB which is basic first aid. Also other merit badges have first Aid requirements such as Emergency Prep, wilderness survival, backpacking, athletics, Fishing, just to name a few. That is why the first Aid MB is not a requirement to take BSA Lifeguard. The first aid MB is basic, then we have first aid requirements for the activities that require them.

American Heart Association does First Aid certification.

I like wagionvigil's old plan of having swimming, lifesaving, rowing, canoeing, and first aid merit badges being prerequisites for BSA Lifeguard. Either E. Prep or Lifesaving would be good required merit badges as well as both are used in Lifeguarding. In fact, I did Lifesaving alongside Lifeguard during certification.

[riverwalk]

And of course, the long standing agency for First Aid, is the American Red Cross.

This ol' horse wants to do the Lifeguard thing again, but I have to work up to it, haha.

[WVBeaver05]

A couple of weeks ago we were at summer camp and my son completed BSA Lifeguard. (I considered requalifying with him but decided that my 2 recently crossed over Scouts needed me more.) We did discuss the requirements that they completed.

I have looked up the current requirements and I recall (basically - hey, it was a long time ago) how things used to be. I see some of the comments from wagionvigil here too.

So, the question: Does anyone still have a copy of the "really old" requirements so we can compare? I recognize many of the current requirements as things that I did -- but I took a lot of lifesaving courses and which was in which is a bit fuzzy. I do recall that swimming MB was required before lifesaving, and I think before rowing and canoeing. Lifesaving and rowing were for sure required before Scout Lifeguard (that's what it used to be called). Canoeing may have been - I know I had it.

Anyone have a list of the late 60's or early 70's requirements?

YiS

[wagionvigil]

I do but finding them is another story

[WVBeaver05]

Same here. I may have them - anything is possible.

I do have my old WSI stuff and some old MB pamphlets. Don't seem to have my Red Cross Sr. Lifesaving stuff.

Oh well. Just wondering how they compare.

YiS

[wagionvigil]

I still have an Aquatics Instructors Camp school book from 1970 somewhere

[smtroop168]

Here are the Scout Lifeguard requirements from the 1969 BSA requirements book:

1. Present evidence of physical fitness for aquatics as shown by a current medical examination certificate
2. Hold the following merit badges and be ready for a review of any of the requirements: Swimming, Lifesaving and Rowing
3. Explain the plan for protecting a unit swimming party using Safe Swim Defense and be familiar with the Coaching and Commitment plan for qualifiying adult leadership of unit swims
4. Know and be able to explain plan of long-term camp waterfront protection including buddy and check plans
5. Submit evidence that he has served satisfactorily as a lifeguard on four occasions either at camp or on unit swims
6. Under safe conditions swim ½ mile using any swimming stroke or combination of strokes
7. Throw 15-inch ring buoy equipped with 60 feet of 3/16-inch line between two marks 5 feet apart, 30 feet from throwing mark, three times in 1 minute, recoil and leave ready for use
8. With a skilled oarsman rowing, act as a coxswain of a lifeboat. Using a pole, approach a “struggling” person and then assist him out of water
9. Answer 10 questions selected by counselor on waterfront safety and rescue methods
10. Instruct one or more swimmers for a total of 3 hours in the merit badge requirements in Rowing or Swimming or Lifesaving: OR instruct one or more nonswimmers for a total of 3 hours in swimming

[wagionvigil]

There was a First aid requirement somewhere in there. ALso 1/2 mile is 880 yards and they are only requiring 400 yeards now soon to be 550 yards.
I will look for my 1970 camp school book.

[smtroop168]

Didn't see one. I typed it right out of the 1969 book. The 1968 version says Hold the Red Cross Junior or Senior Lifesaving Certificate (so maybe First Aid was covered???) or the Lifesaving MB. It also has 1/4 mile swim and the removing street clothes twice requirement (maybe this was in the Lifesaving MB so when they required the MB in 1969, they took this one out since it was covered).

[wagionvigil]

Going to have to start looking in the Attic. Might take a month or so

[smtroop168]

Check the box that has a picture of you and Arthur Eldred shaking hands when he received his Eagle Medal in 1912.

[wagionvigil]

Ha! Ha! When you coming to the cave?

[cballman]

I have heard that they were going to start using new Requirements this year. Does anybody have a copy that they can either post or send me. I have to recertify this year. I would like to see the new ones just in case I need to practice a little bit more on my endurance.

[smtroop168]

You have to swim for 20 days and nights in a tent.

[AquilaNegra2]

You have to swim for 20 days and nights in a tent.

And it has to be one that YOU have pitched

[AquilaNegra2]

And of course, the long standing agency for First Aid, is the American Red Cross.

They charge $80 apiece here for the course. I think $$ is one reason why it's not standardized. Our local Fire Department does a great job for free.

[alex gregory]

And of course, the long standing agency for First Aid, is the American Red Cross.

They charge $80 apiece here for the course. I think $$ is one reason why it's not standardized. Our local Fire Department does a great job for free.

The issue is not whether or not you think you know CPR, it's whether or not a stranger can recognize you as knowing CPR. The American Red Cross certification, even at $80, is still the "gold-standard". Your local fire department may indeed do a great job, but I'll recognize the qualifications of a lifeguard with a current Red Cross CPR certification before I accept a note from your local chief (my regrets to the chief).

Your $80 quote seems a little off. The Oregon Trail Chapter charges only $25 for the full 8-hour "When Help is Delayed" First Aid Merit Badge program, and adults are more than welcome to particiapte and receive both Red Cross First Class and CPR (adult/child) certifications. The cost for the regular 6-hour adult/child/infant CPR course is only $49, and $32 for annual CPR re-certification.

Do yourself a favor, take the Red Cross class.