Milestone · part of 5. Aquatics: the beginner test and rescues that stay dry
5b. Pass the beginner test
Required Often forgotten
Jump feet-first into water over your head, level off, swim 25 feet, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming and return. Where climate or distance makes swimming impossible year-round, a council may authorise an alternative on an individual basis.
Notes and warnings
Note. Where the climate keeps water below safe temperatures all year, or there is nowhere safe and accessible to swim within reasonable travelling distance, the council Scout executive and advancement committee may authorise an alternative for 5b and 5c on an individual basis. Every other requirement still has to be completed as written.
Where this step comes from
- Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (Requirements sheets dated 2025-12), Requirement 5b · Carries the footnote under which a council may authorise an alternative where the climate or the absence of any accessible water makes swimming impossible year-round.