Requirements October 1914 until February 1922

1. Go down from the surface of the water at least seven feet deep and bring up an object twelve inches or more in diameter, weighing not less than ten pounds.

2. Swim twenty yards carrying a person of his own weight:

(a) By a two-hand carry, using feet only for propulsion;

(b) By a one-arm carry, using side stroke.

3. Dressed in trousers, coat, and shoes swim fifty yards, and undress before reaching shore.

4. In deep water, demonstrate three approved methods of releasing death drip.

5. Demonstrate Schaefer (prone pressure) method of resuscitation.

Requirements February 1922 until May 1925

To obtain a merit badge for Life Saving, a scout must first have passed the merit badge for swimming and

1. Go down from the surface of the water at least seven feet deep and bring up an object twelve inches or more in diameter, weighing not less than ten pounds.

2. Tow a person of his own weight for 10 yards by each of the following methods:

(a) Head carry.              (b) Cross chest carry.

(c) Hair carry.                (d) Tired swimmer's carry.

3. Undress in water and swim 100 yards.

4. He must be able to demonstrate in the water the methods of releasing himself from people in peril of drowning, if grasped by:

Wrist-hold                     Front strangle-hold.       Back strangle-hold.

5. Demonstrate Schaefer Prone Pressure method of resuscitation.

Requirements May 1925 until April 1929

1. Go down from the surface of the water at least seven feet deep and bring up an object twelve inches or more in diameter, weighing not less than ten pounds.

2. Tow a person of his own weight for 10 yards by each of the following methods:

(a) Head carry.              (b) Cross chest carry.

(c) Hair carry.                (d) Tired swimmer's carry.

3. Undress in water and swim 100 yards.

4. Demonstrate in the water the methods of releasing himself from people in peril of drowning, if grasped by:

Wrist-hold                     Front strangle-hold.       Back strangle-hold.

5. Demonstrate Schaefer Prone Pressure method of resuscitation.

Requirements August 1929 until September 7, 1937. Between September 7, 1937 and January 1, 1938 these requirements were optional.

To obtain a Merit Badge for Life Saving, a Scout must first have met the Merit Badge Requirements for Swimming, must have spent at least six hours in preparation and practice, and must demonstrate the following:

1. In deep water, disrobe and swim 100 yards.

2. Surface dive in 6 to 8 feet, recovering various objects three times, and a 10-pound weight once.

3. Correct approach, 30 feet, and head carry, 30 feet.

4. Correct approach, 30 feet, and cross-chest carry, 30 feet.

5. Correct approach, 30 feet, and hair or arm-lock carry, 30 feet.

6. Tired swimmer's carry, 30 feet, preceded by 30-foot approach.

7. Release double grip on one wrist. Left and right.

8. Release front strangle hold. Left and right.

9. Release back strangle hold. Left and right.

10. Resuscitation 1-1/2 minutes' demonstration, prone pressure method.