Scouting America Swim Test Requirements

The Scouting America swim test represents the minimum level of ability for safe swimming in water that’s over your head.

The swim test is given one-on-one under the guidance of qualified supervision. Each part of the test is important, and it must be completed without lifejackets, wetsuits, fins or other aids. Swim goggles may be used to avoid eye irritation.

Swim tests must be renewed annually, usually at the beginning of the summer.

SWIMMER’S TEST REQUIREMENTS:

1. Jump feet first into water over your head, and begin swimming without any aids. The test must be given under the guidance of qualified supervision.

2. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using the sidestroke, breast stroke, trudgen or crawl.

3. Swim 25 yards using the resting backstroke.

The 100 yards must be swum continuously with at least one sharp turn and without assistance from the side or bottom.

4. When you’re done, rest by floating, not treading water or swimming in place.

BEGINNER’S SWIM TEST REQUIREMENTS:

Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

Anyone who has not completed the beginner or swimmer tests is classified as a nonswimmer.

You can find more information in the Guide to Safe Scouting and in Scouting America’s Aquatics Resources.