Can't Swim?

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Permalink Reply by Steve's Mom on November 13, 2009 at 6:07pm

if you fail your swim test you mite be able to retest, it depends on the reason you fail. If you do not pass your swim test, you do not pass bootcamp. I can speak more freely by personal message ,if you want more information please add me as a friend and send me a message.

Is there a local ymca where you may be able to have lessons?

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Permalink Reply by Arwen on November 14, 2009 at 12:01am

You take the swim test first. If you can't pass it, then they offer lessons, but only for a few weeks and you miss other stuff while you take those lessons and it can hold you back or end your Navy career prematurely. They expect everyone who joins to already know how to swim, but they will help those who need a little extra help.

I strongly suggest that you go to your local recreation center/pool and get lessons before you go to boot camp.

Third-Class Swim Test - A third class swim test is a test to determine if a person can stay afloat and survive without the use of a personal Floatation Device (PFD) in open water long enough to be rescued in a man-overboard situation. The 3rd class swimmer qualification is the minimum entry-level requirement for all U.S. Navy Personnel.

The third class swim test consists of two parts. Part one is composed of three actions, a deep water jump, a 50-yard swim (using any stroke), and a 5-minute prone float. Swimmers who successfully pass module one may continue on to part two, which consists of shirt and trouser or coverall inflation.

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Permalink Reply by Steve's Mom on November 14, 2009 at 12:08am

last year at bootcamp they were making them swim a breast stroke after the jump. about 1/3 of the division can't swim when they first get there. (so says the dive instructor I met last October) Swim lessons are done on your personal time.

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Permalink Reply by navybrat80 on November 14, 2009 at 10:00am

Very few people don't make it through BootCamp because they can't swim. People who can't swim, go to the pool everyday during their training. But, there is a point in which you must pass the swim test by, or you will be set back in training from your divsion. If you are set back in training, there is a special unit a bootcamp for those who can't swim. You stay in that unit until you swim or until the Navy realizes you will never swim and discharges you. When you pass you are sent to ta division that is at the same point that you were when you were set back in training, you gradaute with them.

The instructors are divers and SEAL instructor they can teach almost anyone to swim, if you listen. Half of the problem is that people panic in the water and stop listening.

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Permalink Reply by frenchie on November 14, 2009 at 11:21pm

Thanks everyone for your responses. I really appreciate it. I have more confidence now. I really think that I just freak myself out more that what I need to. I really want to make it through boot camp and not fall too far behind. Again, thanks :)

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