SAR and Kayaking

The BSA announced the new Search and Rescue merit badge today at a casino in Nevada. Why there? The 2012 National Search and Rescue Conference is going on there today, so it makes sense. The requirements aren't public yet, but should be available soon.
It sounds like it could be a very fun (and popular) merit badge, possibly combining skills in first aid, navigation, leave no trace, knots, and lifesaving. It should certainly fit nicely in Many Point Scout Camp's All Things Emergency Response program this summer.

The Kayaking merit badge has also been announced and is due out on June 13. This is scheduled to cover basic flat-water kayaking skills and safety, leaving whitewater kayaking as part of the Whitewater merit badge.
I see it as a good addition to the Canoeing, Motorboating, Rowing, Smallboat Sailing, and Water Sports merit badges.

Scout On