Task · part of 5. Rescue somebody without getting in
5(a). Reach and throw
Required
Rescues by reaching with an arm or leg, reaching with a suitable object, and throwing lines and objects, and why a swimming rescue is not attempted when reaching or throwing would work.
Notes and warnings
Note. The principle this requirement is built on is that you do not get in. Reaching and throwing come first, and a swimming rescue is not attempted when either would work. The requirement asks you to explain why, and the explanation is the part that matters.
Where this step comes from
- Swimming Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2025-12-31), Requirement 5(a)