Whitewater Rafting BSA Patch

Whitewater Rafting, BSA


These were the requirements   until the revisions made in 2022

To see the CURRENT requirements, Click here.


SWIM TRUNKS EMBLEM

The Whitewater Rafting, BSA Patch is NOT be worn on the Uniform.
It is worn on the left side of the swim trunks.


This award became available at the National Jamboree in July, 2017.


  1. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmers test.
  2. Do the following:
    1. Name the parts of a whitewater raft.
    2. Describe differences between a paddle raft and an oar powered raft.
    3. Explain the importance of perimeter lines used on whitewater rafts.
    4. Demonstrate how to choose an appropriate size paddle.
    5. Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a life jacket.
    6. Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a helmet.
    7. Discuss the use of throw ropes in rescuing overboard paddlers.
    8. Discuss common river hazards including rocks, strainers, broaching, standing waves, hydraulics and foot entrapment.
  3. Explain the importance of safety equipment used in whitewater rafting including throw ropes, helmets and life jackets. Also discuss appropriate clothing and footwear for a whitewater rafting trip.
  4. Under proper supervision and appropriate conditions safely do the following:
    1. Lift, carry, launch and land an inflatable raft, with help, on calm or slow moving water.
    2. Sit in a raft as a paddler with proper foot position.
    3. Swim a Class I rapid while wearing a life jacket, helmet and attire appropriate for the water temperature. Demonstrate defensive and aggressive swimming positions as possible.
  5. While on calm or slow moving water, demonstrate the following strokes in an inflatable raft with at least one other paddler and on command of a qualified paddle captain:
    1. Forward
    2. Back
    3. Sweep
  6. While on moving water up to Class I, demonstrate the following maneuvers with at least 3 other paddlers in an inflatable raft and on the command of a qualified paddle raft captain:
    1. Turn left
    2. Turn right
    3. Paddle forward in a straight line for 50 feet.
    4. Back paddle reasonably straight for 15 feet.
  7. While on moving water up to Class I, demonstrate the following maneuvers with at least 3 other paddlers in an inflatable raft and on the command of a qualified paddle raft captain:
    1. A front or a back ferry.
    2. A shallow or a wide eddy turn.
    3. A shallow or a wide peel out.
  8. Participate in a whitewater rafting trip in up to Class III whitewater with a qualified paddle raft captain in each raft using a minimum of two rafts and for at least one hour's duration.

Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
Word Format PDF Format

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.


Notes to Counselor:

This award is available to BSA youth and adults who are members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scout units. Any adult leader, approved by the council, who is trained in Safety Afloat and can personally verify that all instruction and skill completions were directly supervised by a professionally trained or licensed rafting guide may serve as a counselor for this award. Such guides may be employed by council high adventure programs or commercial outfitters. Guidance for selecting a reputable rafting service is provided in the BSA publication Aquatics Supervision No 34346.


Source: Boy Scout Requirements 2019


Page updated on: May 26, 2022



Scouts Using the Internet Cartoon - Courtesy of Richard Diesslin - Click to See More Cartoons
© 1994-2024 - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Site Map | Disclaimer | Project Team | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website with in two ways: Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by clicking the button below.
(U.S. Scouting Service Project Donation)


(Ruth Lyons Memorial Donations)