Man, BSA lifeguard was rigorous as hell. It was the only legitimately serious course that the camp offered, and it was not for beginners. I failed it the first year, and it taught me a lot about the difference between "can swim" and "competent swimmer."
They later changed it to a gimme course because of "hazing" complaints, which I thought was awful.
I didn't even consider trying the lifeguarding merit badge for the first couple of years. I doubt I could have done it back then.
> They later changed it to a gimme course
That sucks. I'm also kind of surprised to hear that, because BSA does not usually skimp on safety, and anyone with the lifeguarding merit badge should be capable of actually saving someone's life.
They later changed it to a gimme course because of "hazing" complaints, which I thought was awful.