Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements
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WHITEWATER
- Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while working on
the Whitewater merit badge, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion,
dehydration, sunburn, insect stings, tick bites, blisters, and hyperventilation.
- Do the following:
- Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Explain how
such conditions are recognized.
- Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by
your counselor.
- Before doing the other requirements earn the Canoeing merit badge, then do the
following:
- Demonstrate basic canoe-handling skills by completing the Scout Gate Test within 120
seconds while paddling tandem with a buddy.
- Review and compare BSA Safety Afloat and the American Whitewater Affiliation Safety Code
and demonstrate your understanding of these principles by answering questions from your
counselor.
- Identify and explain the use of safety equipment on running water.
- Explain the International Scale of River Difficulty and apply the scale to the stretch
of river where you are practicing and demonstrating your whitewater skills. Identify the
specific characteristics of the river that are factors in your classification according to
the International Scale.
- Explain how to scout and read a river both while afloat and from ashore. Explain open
and closed V's, shoals with broken or dancing water, boils, strainers, broken drops,
haystacks, dams, falls and lowhead obstructions, eddies, whirlpools, crosscurrents, flat
rocks, standing waves, sheer drops, and heavy water. Demonstrate your ability to read the
river where you are practicing and demonstrating your whitewater skills.
- Explain the differences between flatwater and whitewater canoes; identify the advantages
and special uses for kayaks and decked canoes in running water. Identify the different
materials used in modern whitewater canoe construction and the advantages and
disadvantages of each.
- Identify paddles designed for whitewater use and explain their special characteristics.
- Do ONE of the following:
- Demonstrate paddle strokes in the bow position of an open canoe on running water, for
forward movement, sideways movement, and backward movement. Repeat in the stern position.
- Demonstrate forward, backward, and sideways movement on running water using a single- or
double-bladed paddle in a kayak or decked canoe.
- While paddling aloud or with a partner in an open canoe, or while alone in a kayak,
demonstrate forward and back ferry, eddy turn, peeling out of an eddy, and high and low
braces.
- Explain and demonstrate:
- Self-rescue and procedures when capsized in running water
- Safe rescue of others in various whitewater situations
- Portaging -- when and how to do it
- The whitewater buddy system using at least three persons and three craft
- Discuss the use of inflatable boats on moving water. Explain how to safely outfit and
use an inflatable boat in whitewater including the type of craft suited to certain water
conditions, how to maneuver the craft on the water, and what special safety precautions
should be taken when using an inflatable boat.
- Explain the risks of "tubing" on moving water.
- Participate in a 1-day whitewater trip for beginners. Help to prepare a written plan
specifying route, schedule, equipment, safety precautions, and emergency procedures.
Determine local rules and obtain permission from local property owners. Explain what steps
you have taken to comply with the BSA Safety Afloat and the American Whitewater
Affiliation Safety Code. Execute the plan with others.
BSA Advancement ID#: 125
Source: Boy Scout Requirements, #33215D, revised 2001
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Last modified on Saturday, January 26, 2002