Requirement
8. The rescue block, including a capsize you perform on purpose
Required Often forgotten
Six parts covering deep-water exit and re-entry, a deliberate capsize, recovering a swamped canoe, rescuing a swimmer and throwing a rescue bag. Arranged in advance, at a site and under supervision Safety Afloat governs.
Notes and warnings
Warning. Requirement 8 includes capsizing a canoe on purpose in deep water and performing rescues. Arrange it in advance with your counselor, at a site and under supervision that Safety Afloat governs. It is not something to add to the end of an ordinary paddle.
What this is made of
- 8(a). Leave the canoe in deep water without letting go of it, then get back in
- 8(b). Capsize it deliberately, and show why staying with it helps
- 8(c). Move a swamped canoe 50 feet, then empty it and get back in
- 8(d). Rescue a swamped canoe and its paddlers in deep water
- 8(e). Rescue a conscious swimmer using the canoe
- 8(f). Throw bag: land the line close, from shore, then repack it
Where this step comes from
- Canoeing Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2025-12-31), Requirement 8