Water Sports and the Trail to Eagle
Water Sports is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Water Sports Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 6 main requirements for Water Sports. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in water sports activities.
- b.Review prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in water sports.
- c.Review the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy. Tell how it applies to water sports.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Discuss the characteristics of life jackets most appropriate for water sports.
- b.Review and discuss the Water Sports Safety Code with your counselor.
- 3
Before doing requirements 4 through 6, successfully complete the Scouting America swimmer test.
- 4
Show the following skier signals to the safety observer in the boat.
- 5
Showing reasonable control while using two skis, one ski, or a wakeboard, do the following: show how to enter the water and make a deepwater start, cross both wakes four times, and show you can fall properly.
- 6
While on shore, show that you know how to properly adjust the bindings of your ski(s) or wakeboard.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Water Sports Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Water Sports, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Water Sports is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 11 Water Sports requirements for you.
Water Sports Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Water Sports merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Water Sports is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Water Sports merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Water Sports in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Water Sports merit badge?
Water Sports is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Water Sports can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Water Sports merit badge have?
Water Sports has 6 main requirements with 5 sub-requirements, for 11 items in total.
