National Outdoor Badge for Aquatics
Rank, Swimming and Lifesaving, the Mile Swim, a watercraft badge with 25 hours on the water, then 50 hours in all.
7 steps. · Version 1, published 9 October 2026 · About National Outdoor Badge for Aquatics
No questions answered
This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody.
The steps
Stage 1 of 7
1 step
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Your unit leader signs it off Milestone
There is no counselor for the badge itself. You sign the application to say you have done the requirements, and your unit leader signs to affirm it. Any merit badges inside it are earned the usual way.
Stage 2 of 7
1 step
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1. First Class, Apprentice, or Ranger 1 to 6 Milestone
Earn First Class rank, or the Sea Scout Apprentice rank, or complete Venturing Ranger Award requirements 1 through 6.
Usually comes after Your unit leader signs it off.
Stage 3 of 7
1 step
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2. Swimming, plus Lifesaving merit badge Requirement
Swimming merit badge, and Lifesaving merit badge or the Venturing Ranger Lifesaver elective.
Stage 4 of 7
1 step
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3. Earn the Mile Swim Award Milestone
It has its own requirements and a council-approved counselor.
Stage 5 of 7
1 step
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4. A watercraft badge, then 25 hours on the water Requirement
One of Canoeing, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Kayaking, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Small-Boat Sailing, Water Sports or Whitewater, or a Ranger Fishing, Scuba or Watercraft elective, then at least 25 hours on the water using it.
Stage 6 of 7
1 step
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5. 50 hours of aquatics in all Requirement
Any mix of the listed activities under the auspices of Scouting America, including the time from requirements 2 to 4.
Stage 7 of 7
1 step
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Submit it, then get the badge Milestone
Through Internet Advancement (preferred) or a signed copy to the council service center, then buy the segment at a Scout shop. Your first National Outdoor badge comes with the center emblem.
Usually comes after 1. First Class, Apprentice, or Ranger 1 to 6, 2. Swimming, plus Lifesaving merit badge and 3 others.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.