Scouting/BSA/Water Sports Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Waterskis

Requirement 1

Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in water sports, including hypothermia, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn, minor cuts and blisters.

Requirement 2

Do the following:

A. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Explain how such conditions are recognized.

B. Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.

Requirement 3

Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.

Requirement 4

Do the following:

A. Discuss the BSA Safety Afloat policy. Tell how it applies to Water Sports.

B. Name the different types of life jackets, and explain when each type should be used. Show how to choose and properly fit a life jacket.

C. Know the Sports Safety Code. Promise that you will live up to it and follow it in all water work for this badge. Know the safety precautions that must be used by the boat operator in pulling water-skiers and wakeboarders.

Requirement 5

Show the following skier signals to the safety observer in the boat: skier safe, faster, slower, turns, back to dock, cut motor, skier in water.

Requirement 6

Showing reasonable control while using two skis, one ski, or a wakeboard, do EACH of the following:

A. Show how to enter the water from a boat and make a deepwater start without help.

B. Show you can cross both wakes four times and return to the center of the wake each time without falling.

C. Show you can fall properly to avoid an obstacle. Also, show that you can drop handle and coast to a stop without loss of balance.

Requirement 7

While on shore, show that you now how to properly adjust the bindings on your ski(s) or wakeboard to fit yourself. Then, in deep water, show that you can adjust bindings to fit. Recover and put on your ski(s) or wakeboard that has come off during a fall.

External links

• Water Sports Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• How to Chose a PFD from REI
• Waterski Magazine
• Wakeboarding Magazine