Lifesaver Scout Interest Badge

Saving a life is one of the most powerful skills a Scout can learn! The Lifesaver Scout Interest Badge equips you with practical lifesaving skills you can use in real emergencies – in the water, on the shore, and in their communities. You will learn to recognise danger, prevent accidents, apply water rescue skills, and respond confidently with CPR and first aid. This badge is practical, hands-on, includes rescue techniques, safety planning, and scenario-based activities. "Be Prepared" is more than a motto – it's a lifesaver's mindset.

Badge Requirements

Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
Have passed the Swimmer Scout Interest Badge and have passed the First Aid Scout Interest Badge and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements.
OR
Complete all the requirements for the Swimmer Scout Interest Badge and the First Aid Scout Interest Badge.
Water Safety
Explain the 7 Safety Swimming Steps and how each step prevents accidents:
- Safe Swimming area
- Trained supervisor
- Lifeguard picket
- Lookout
- Ability groups
- Buddy system
- Discipline
CPR and First Response
1. Demonstrate CPR on a model using the current CPR standard.
2. Demonstrate the recovery position and post-rescue care by:
  - Placing a breathing casualty in the recovery position
  - Methods to promote warmth and circulation in a rescued casualty.
Land-Based Rescue Skills
1. Explain the order of priorities to be followed in water rescue.
  Reach – Throw – Row – Go & Tow, and when each method should be used.
2. Demonstrate a minimum of four correct reach rescues, using four different items:
  - Arms and legs
  - Tree branch, paddle or pole
  - Towel or item of clothing
  - Any other safe improvised item
3. Demonstrate throw rescues using lines, ring buoys, or floating supports.
  - Throw a 20 m lifeline, aiming to land between two markers spaced 1.2 m apart and 12 m from the thrower.
  - Achieve this successfully in at least two out of three attempts.
Water-Based Rescue Skills
1. Clothing Removal
  - Pre-Water Removal: Demonstrate twice that you can remove shoes, socks, trousers, belt, long-sleeved shirt, and jacket on land before entering the water in 20 seconds or less.
  - In-Water Removal: Swim 50 m wearing a shirt, shorts, and socks, then undress in the water without touching the bottom.
    Note: There is no strict time limit (target is 30–40 seconds), but removal should be safe, controlled, and completed in one continuous effort - focusing on technique and safety, not just speed.
  - Explain why clothes should be removed before a swim rescue.
2. Speed Tow with Lifeline
  - Swim 50m, as fast as possible, wearing a shirt and shorts, towing a lifeline.
3. Shirt-Tail Rescue (semi-assisted rescue)
  - Enter water safely while keeping the 'casualty' (a Scout of similar size) in sight.
  - Swim 10m.
  - Demonstrate shirt-tail rescue, towing the casualty for 10m.
4. Contact Tow and Release (full-contact rescue)
  - Demonstrate a correct approach to a struggling 'casualty' (a Scout of similar size).
  - Perform a contact rescue, including a safe release technique.
  - Tow the casualty for 10m.
5. Object Recovery
  - In a pool, dive from the surface to a depth of at least 1.5m and recover a 2–3kg object. Perform successfully two out of three attempts.
Lifesaving Strokes and Releases
1. In the water, demonstrate four lifesaving strokes, carrying the casualty at least 15m each:
  - Sidestroke tow
  - Inverted tow
  - Back tow
  - Survival tow
  - Or other recognised rescue strokes
2. Demonstrate three methods of release from the clutches of a drowning casualty the same size as yourself.
Practical Rescue Scenario Assessment
Participate in a simulated rescue scenario designed by your Examiner. The scenario must include:
- Risk assessment
- Choice of method (Reach–Throw–Row–Go & Tow)
- Teamwork and Communication
- Safe Approach
- Casualty Management
- Exit and First Aid Handover
The rescue scenario should last 15–20 minutes.
Scouts should complete the scenario efficiently, demonstrating competence in both decision-making and practical skills within the time frame.
Examiners should observe planning, execution, safety, teamwork, and correct technique throughout the scenario.>br> Examiners may adjust scenario difficulty based on Scout experience and ability.
Ensure safety measures are in place: lifeguard, buddy system, and safe swimming area.

Recommended Age Range: The Lifesaver Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years who already have good swimming skills and the physical strength to safely perform a rescue. It is intended for Scouts who are ready to apply their skills in realistic rescue situations under supervision.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge should be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed.

The ideal Examiner should be a qualified lifeguard, swimming instructor, or water safety professional with training in CPR and rescue techniques.

Alternatively, an experienced Scouter with recognised lifesaving qualifications and practical rescue experience. They should be able to demonstrate correct techniques, ensure strict safety standards, assess competence accurately, and provide constructive feedback to help Scouts develop confidence and skills in lifesaving situations.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

Lifesaver Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

What You Need First

The following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

Last Update

December 2025

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