Snorkelling Scout Interest Badge

Badge Requirements

Discover the underwater world! The Snorkelling Scout Interest Badge introduces Scouts to a hidden environment of marine life, unique ecosystems, and adventure beneath the surface using a mask, snorkel, and fins. Scouts will develop snorkelling skills, safety knowledge, and equipment competence through supervised activities in both pool and open-water environments. By completing this badge, Scouts become safer, more capable water adventurers with a deeper appreciation of South Africa's rich marine environment.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
Have passed the requirements for the following Scoutcraft and Scout Interest badges and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements:
- Swimming Scoutcraft Badge
- Swimmer Scout Interest Badge
Equipment Knowledge and Care
1. Identify the purpose and correct use of:
  - Mask
  - Snorkel
  - Fins
  - Wetsuit
  - Weight belt (where used)
  - Surface marker buoy (SMB) or float
2. Demonstrate how to correctly fit and adjust a mask, snorkel and fins.
3. Demonstrate how to care for, clean and store snorkelling equipment after use.
4. Explain why equipment must be checked before entering the water.
Staying Safe in the Water
Explain and demonstrate knowledge of:
1. Local water hazards, including currents, waves, tides, and poor visibility.
2. Safe entry and exit techniques from shore, rocks, jetties, boats, or pontoons.
3. The effects of pressure on the ears, sinuses, and lungs, including the importance of equalising.
4. Hyperventilation and why it is dangerous.
5. Causes, warning signs and prevention of shallow-water blackout.
6. Hypothermia and heat-related illnesses, including their signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
7. Marine hazards such as jellyfish, bluebottles, sea urchins, and stingrays, and how to avoid injury from them.
8. Emergency procedures for snorkelling activities, including lost buddy procedures, raising the alarm, and obtaining assistance.
9. Demonstrate the current CPR procedure and recovery position in accordance with recognised first aid standards.
Buddy Snorkelling
Complete the following in a swimming pool - wearing mask, snorkel, and fins:
1. Explain the purpose and importance of the buddy system.
2. Conduct a pre-snorkel buddy equipment check.
3. Demonstrate maintaining effective visual contact with a buddy throughout a snorkelling activity.
4. Tow a buddy for 50 metres using a recognised rescue tow.
5. Demonstrate the correct actions to take if separated from a buddy.
Pool Snorkelling Skills
Complete the following in a swimming pool while wearing a mask, snorkel, and fins. A wetsuit and appropriately weighted belt may be worn if required for neutral buoyancy.
1. Swim 200 metres continuously while wearing snorkelling equipment.
2. Demonstrate a correct snorkel-clear and mask-clear technique after submerging.
3. Maintain a stationary float or tread water for three minutes while wearing snorkelling equipment.
4. Perform six controlled duck dives and recover a small object from at least two metres depth.
5. Swim 100 metres using only fin propulsion.
6. Remove and replace mask, snorkel and fins while floating or treading water.
Open Water Adventure
Participate in a planned snorkelling excursion in open water at a safe snorkelling location under the supervision of a suitably qualified adult.
1. Explain and demonstrate responsible snorkelling practices when observing underwater animals and plants, including how to avoid touching, disturbing, or damaging marine life and their habitats.
2. Before entering the water, take part in the pre-snorkel briefing and buddy equipment check.
3. Demonstrate safe entry into and exit from the water appropriate to the location.
4. Snorkel continuously for at least thirty minutes while maintaining effective buddy procedures.
5. Make at least three controlled dives to a depth of at least three metres or more (or a depth appropriate to the location), observe underwater features or marine life and return safely to the surface.
6. Identify and record at least four marine species or other aquatic organisms observed during the activity and share your observations with your Patrol.
7. Demonstrate the standard snorkeller's "OK", "Problem", and "Return to Shore/Boat" signals.
8. Complete a surface swim of at least 400 metres using mask, snorkel, and fins.

Recommended Age Range: The Snorkelling Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years who have developed strong swimming ability, water confidence, and endurance, and who wish to explore the underwater environment through snorkelling. The requirements focus on safe open-water participation, buddy awareness, snorkelling skills, marine safety knowledge, and responsible exploration of aquatic environments.

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 an experienced snorkeller or water-based adventure activity practitioner with strong practical understanding of snorkelling techniques, open-water conditions, and aquatic safety. Ideally, they should be a qualified snorkelling or diving instructor, Surf Lifesaving South Africa member, lifeguard, scuba diving instructor, marine guide, or experienced Scouter with recognised snorkelling or lifesaving experience.

Note: Before being trained or examined for the Snorkelling Scout Interest Badge, a Scout must satisfy the Troop Scouter and Examiner that they are medically fit to participate in snorkelling activities.

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

Snorkelling Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

What You Need First

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

Last Update

2026

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