BSA Lifeguard And Acceptance Of Red Cross Certification
Q: Our Troop currently has only one BSA-certified Lifeguard. We would
like to get more adults and youth certified. Our Council does not
provide many training opportunities for BSA Lifeguard.
What is the standard as far as accepting Red Cross lifeguard
certification for the swimming/lifesaving portions of the BSA
Lifeguard requirements? I know that the BSA Lifeguard requirements
accept Red Cross CPR certification. My hope is that our Scouters can
get their CPR and swimming/lifesaving portions of the requirements met
through one of the many Red Cross programs offered in the area. Then
they could drive down to summer camp for a day or two to pick up the
other BSA Lifeguard requirements
A:I have one suggestion. Life Saving was taught at the Scout Camp I
attended in the early 40s. At the end of each week, the Red Cross sent
an instructor. That instructor gave the test for BSA Life Saving MB,
BSA Life Guard and Red Cross Junior Life Saver. Depending on one's
ability he might pass none, one or all.
You might be able to make the same arrangement with the Red Cross - or
a reciprocal arrangement with the BS
A: My experience is that passing the Red Cross exam would entitle you to be an instructor at summer camp.