Dear Parents/ Guardians/ Scouts,

Thank you for your interest in the Trail to Eagle Lifesaving Merit Badge class! The purpose of this letter is to advise both you and your Scout how to prepare for the week:

. Class meets Monday through Thursday, 12:30-3:30pm each day

. Scout MUST already have completed the swimmimg merit badge and bring proof.

. The Scout is expected to obtain a current copy of the Lifesaving Merit Badge book. The material is to be read and studied BEFORE the first day of class. Bring your book, pen/ pencil and notepaper daily to class.

. On the first day of class the participants are to bring their Scouts BSA Handbook for reference.  

. Your troop's Scoutmaster is to have signed a "Blue Card" giving permission for the Scout to attend this course. Please bring this card to your last day of class.

. Each day the Lifesaving Merit Badge Candidate will have a buddy (preferably the same one). This swim buddy can be a household member, but they will be required to pass the 100-yard swim check and serve as a “victim” for all the rescue drills. The swim buddies are to not bring any phones or reading material to the swim area. Part of their responsibility will be to provide a second set of eyes on the water and pool area when not involved in a drill. Please note that the Merit Badge candidate cannot participate in any of the pool drills without their buddy with them each day. If a household member is not available to be a buddy for the week, another class member can be partnered with your scout.

. On Monday, the candidates will need to swim continuously for 400 yards, the first 100 yards is the Swim Check, followed by 300 yards using each of the following strokes in a strong manner in good form with rhythmic breathing for at least 50 continuous yards each: front crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and backstroke. This is a requirement for the merit badge.

. During the class, the dressing rooms may still be in remodel. The Scout and swim Buddy may be required to go directly to and from their car in their swimsuits. Please be prepared.

. Swimsuits are to be modest in nature such as one-piece suits for females and no "Speedo" style suits for males. Bring towels and appropriate shoe wear.

  . On Wednesday the Scouts are to bring an EXTRA pair of pants, shoes, socks, shirt in order to meet the criteria for requirement #9. This clothing will likely get wet so a plastic bag is advised for transport. 

. Be advised that in real life attempting to perform lifesaving can put the rescuer in grave danger. For this reason, mastery of the material in the Merit Badge book is essential. We will be offering additional hours on Friday to those participants in need of remedial assistance. 

. Finally, our main priority is to keep everyone safe. Please take the time to self-assess your and your scout’s health before arriving to class.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.