What is the BSA Swim Test?

All youth and adult participants are designated as swimmers, beginners, or nonswimmers based on swimming ability confirmed by standardized BSA swim classification tests. Each group is assigned a specific swimming area with depths consistent with those abilities. The classification tests must be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of the season even if the Scout has earned the Swimming merit badge.

Swimmer

Jump feet first into water over the head, level off, and begin swimming.
Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side, breast, trudgen, or crawl. Swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.
The 100 yards must be completed without stops and must include at least one sharp turn.
Rest by floating…Long enough to demonstrate ability to rest when exhausted.

Beginner

Jump feet first into water over the head, level off, and begin swimming.
Swim 25 feet on the surface.
Stop, turn, and resume swimming back to the starting place.

Non-Swimmer

Did not complete either of the swimming tests.