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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-beginner-swim-test

In the Scouting America beginner swim test, how far do you swim before turning back?

25 feet, then stop, turn sharply and swim back.

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  1. 25 feet ✔
  2. 25 yards
  3. 75 yards

Why: The beginner test starts with a feetfirst jump into water over your head. You level off, swim 25 feet, stop, turn sharply and return to where you started.

Huh, didn't know that: Anyone who has passed neither the beginner nor the swimmer test is called a nonswimmer.

The dad joke
Why did the swimmer stop after 25 feet? Because that's where the test turned around.
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References

Answer: 25 feet. The beginner test starts with a feetfirst jump into water over your head. You level off, swim 25 feet, stop, turn sharply and return to where you started.

  1. Scouts BSA Rank Requirements, Second Class 5b www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Scouts-BSA-Rank-Requirements.pdf
    Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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