Whitewater Rafting BSA

Swimsuit / swim trunks emblem

This award is available to BSA youth and adults who are members of Boy Scout, 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.

Swimsuit / swim trunks emblem – The Whitewater Rafting BSA patch is NOT worn on the uniform or the sash; it is worn on the left side of the swimsuit / swim trunks

Whitewater Rafting BSA Award

Upon successful completion, participants earn the Whitewater Rafting BSA patch along with their achievement card. Completion indicates the individual has experienced a valuable introduction to whitewater rafting.

Whitewater Rafting BSA Requirements

Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmers test.

Do the following:

Name the parts of a whitewater raft.

Describe differences between a paddle raft and an oar-powered raft.

Explain the importance of perimeter lines used on whitewater rafts.

Demonstrate how to choose an appropriate size paddle.

Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a life jacket.

Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a helmet.

Discuss the use of throw ropes in rescuing overboard paddlers.

Discuss common river hazards including rocks, strainers, broaching, standing waves, hydraulics, and foot entrapment.

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.

Under proper supervision and appropriate conditions safely do the following:

Lift, carry, launch, and land an inflatable raft, with help, on calm or slow-moving water.

Sit in a raft as a paddler with proper foot position.

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.

Re-enter a raft from the water, with assistance if needed.

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:

Forward

Back

While on moving water up to Class I, demonstrate the following maneuvers with at least three other paddlers in an inflatable raft and on the command of a qualified paddle raft captain:

Turn left.

Turn right.

Paddle forward in a straight line for 50 feet.

Back paddle reasonably straight for 15 feet.

While on moving water up to Class I, demonstrate the following maneuvers with at least three other paddlers in an inflatable raft and on the command of a qualified paddle raft captain:

A front or a back ferry.

A shallow or a wide eddy turn.

A shallow or a wide peel out.

Participate in a whitewater rafting trip in up to Class III white water with a qualified paddle raft captain in each raft using a minimum of two rafts and for at least one hour’s duration.

Whitewater Rafting BSA – Forms, Links, and Resources

Aquatics Supervision – Leader's Guide – the Whitewater Rafting BSA award application is contained in the appendix.