Whitewater
The requirements for Whitemater merit badge were revised effective
January 1, 1998.
- Show that you know first aid for injuries or
illnesses that could occur while working on the
Whitewater merit badge, including hypothermia,
heatstroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn,
insect stings, tick bites, blisters, and
hyperventilation.
- Do the following:
- Identify the conditions that must exist before
performing CPR on a person. Explain how such
conditions are recognized.
- Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR
using a training device approved by your counselor.
- Before doing the other requirements earn the Canoeing
merit badge, then do the following:
- Demonstrate basic canoe-handling skills by
completing the Scout Gate Test within 120
seconds while paddling tandem with a buddy.
- Review and compare BSA Safety Afloat and the
American Whitewater Affiliation Safety Code and
demonstrate your understanding of these principles
by answering questions from your counselor.
- Identify and explain the use of safety equipment on
running water.
- Explain the International Scale of River Difficulty
and apply the scale to the stretch of river where you
are practicing and demonstrating your whitewater
skills. Identify the specific characteristics of the
river that are factors in your classification according
to the International Scale.
- Explain how to scout and read a river both while
afloat and from ashore. Explain open and closed V's,
shoals with broken or dancing water, boils, strainers,
broken drops, haystacks, dams, falls and lowhead
obstructions, eddies, whirlpools, crosscurrents, flat
rocks, standing waves, sheer drops, and heavy water.
Demonstrate your ability to read the river where you are
practicing and demonstrating your whitewater skills.
- Explain the differences between flatwater and
whitewater canoes; identify the advantages and special
uses for kayaks and decked canoes in running water.
Identify the different materials used in modern
whitewater canoe construction and the advantages and
disadvantages of each.
- Identify paddles designed for whitewater use and
explain their special characteristics.
- Do ONE of the following:
- Demonstrate paddle strokes in the bow position
of an open canoe on running water, for forward
movement, sideways movement, and backward 4.
Repeat in the stern position.
- Demonstrate forward, backward, and sideways
movements on running water using a single- or
double-bladed paddle in a kayak or decked canoe.
- While paddling alone or with a partner in an open
canoe, or while alone in a kayak, demonstrate forward
and back ferry, eddy turn, peeling out of an eddy,
and high and low braces.
- Explain and demonstrate:
- Self-rescue and procedures when capsized in
running water.
- Safe rescue of others in various whitewater
situations.
- Portaging -- when and how to do it.
- The whitewater buddy system using at least
three persons and three craft.
- Discuss the use of inflatable boats on moving water.
Explain how to safely outfit and use an inflatable
boat in whitewater including the type of craft suited
to certain water conditions, how to maneuver the
craft on the water, and what special safety
precautions should be taken when using an inflatable
boat.
- Explain the risks of "tubing" on moving water.
- Participate in a 1-day whitewater trip for beginners.
Help to prepare a written plan specifying route,
schedule, equipment, safety precautions, and emergency
procedures. Determine local rules and obtain permission
from local property owners. Explain what steps you have
taken to comply with the BSA Safety Afloat and the
American Whitewater Affiliation Safety Code. Execute
the plan with others.
Requirements: