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is there a swim test for the navy

by Albertha Friesen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Knowing how to swim is especially important to the United States Navy
United States Navy
With 336,978 personnel on active duty and 101,583 in the Ready Reserve, the U.S. Navy is the third largest of the U.S. military service branches in terms of personnel. It has 290 deployable combat vessels and more than 2,623 operational aircraft as of June 2019.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › United_States_Navy
. It is one of the few military branches that make it mandatory for recruits to complete a Navy Swim Test prior to enlistment. Therefore, swimming is just as important in the U.S. Navy as being able to run a mile or do push-ups.
Feb 17, 2021

Full Answer

How to pass navy swim test?

US Navy Basic Training Swimming Requirements

  • Swim Skills Assessment. The basic Swim Skills Assessment measures your ability to swim 15 yards in chest-deep water, swim another 15 yards in water over your head, tread water for ...
  • Deep-Water Jump. You must be able to jump into deep water from a 5- to 10-foot platform and find your way back to the surface easily.
  • 50-Yard Swim. ...
  • Float/Inflation. ...

What does the US Navy swim test consist of?

You must be comfortable enough in the water that you appear relaxed throughout the test, as outlined in the Navy Swim Guidelines. The basic Swim Skills Assessment measures your ability to swim 15 yards in chest-deep water, swim another 15 yards in water over your head, tread water for one full minute and float facedown for one full minute.

Does the Navy teach you how to swim?

Part of Navy boot camp is the swim test. Many Sailors join the Navy without knowing how to swim, but instructors at boot camp are trained to teach you everything you’ll need to know before the test. The test consists of three events: a jump into a pool, a 50-yard swim and a prone float for five minutes.

What is second class swim test?

This individual is defined as a conscientious adult age 21 or older who:

  • Understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth member s in his or her care.
  • Is experienced in the particular activity.
  • Is confident in his or her ability to respond appropriately in an emergency.
  • Is trained and committed to the nine points of BSA Safety Afloat and/or the eight points of Safe Swim Defense.

Do you do a swim test at Basic for Navy?

Everyone who enters the U.S. Navy must pass a Navy Third Class Swim Test. The initial test is conducted in basic training (boot camp) for enlisted personnel, and as part of officer accession training (OCS), in the Academy or as part of ROTC for commissioned officers.

Is there a swim requirement for Navy?

0:423:29The Navy 3rd and 2nd Class Swim Qualification - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe stroke our demonstrator is performing is called freestyle or otherwise. Known as crawl stroke.MoreThe stroke our demonstrator is performing is called freestyle or otherwise. Known as crawl stroke. Another valid survival stroke to be used is called breaststroke. Seen here. It's important to mention

What is the military swim test?

PRT 500yd / 450m Swim Test — swim 500 yards or 450 meters in the fastest time possible using any swim stroke and turn technique. Performed by US Navy personnel every six months.

What week is the swim test in Navy boot camp?

Week 1Other Week 1 activities include swim qualifications, marching, classroom learning and intensive physical conditioning. You'll take your first academic test during this week.

Can you join the Navy if you can't swim?

Whether you're a skilled swimmer or have never swum a stroke, you're welcome in the Navy. Part of Navy boot camp is the swim test. Many Sailors join the Navy without knowing how to swim, but instructors at boot camp are trained to teach you everything you'll need to know before the test.

How hard is the Navy swim test?

How hard is the test? The Third-Class Navy Swim Test is really straightforward to pass so long as you are already comfortable in the water.

Does the US Army have a swim test?

All Army personnel have to pass a physical test that involves push-ups, sit-ups and running. Swimming tests are much less common and reserved for specialists. Army Rangers, for example, have to pass a tougher fitness test that includes a 15-meter swim in full military gear.

Do you have to know how do you swim in the military?

The only two branches of the U.S. military that require all enlisted personnel to have swimming skills, not just water safety & survival skills, are the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. That means the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Marines enlisted personnel do not require swimming skills.

How do you pass a swimming test?

Swimmers pass this test: Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn.

What happens in week 5 of Navy boot camp?

During week five, recruits are tested on the material already learned including: Mid-cycle Assessment (MCA) to examine progress in drills, proper uniform, Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), upkeep of locker and barracks as well as live fire weapons training.

What happens if I dont pass Navy boot camp?

Recruits who don't pass their initial run will get another chance within 48 hours. But if they fail that, they'll be sent home with an ELS, an entry-level separation from the Navy that will require them to get a waiver if they want to try and enlist again.

What happens in week 2 of Navy boot camp?

Week 2 of Navy boot camp wraps up with your first visit to the confidence course. If you're in any kind of shape at all, you'll enjoy this part of the course. The Navy Boot Camp Confidence Course is designed to simulate obstacles one may have to encounter during a shipboard emergency.

What is the purpose of the Navy swim test?

The purpose of the Navy swim test is to be comfortable enough in the water that you don’t panic. Consequently, if you are not already seasoned wadding and swimming around in the water it’s a good idea to take swimming lessons at your local pool.

How many yards do you need to swim to be a Navy recruit?

Recruits must complete the 100 yard swim utilizing each technique (crawl stroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke) at 25 yard increments. If you plan to enlist in the Navy as small boat operators, air crew, or rescue swimmers – you’ll need to reach Second-Class qualification.

What is OCS in the Navy?

Meanwhile, the officer accession training (OCS) determines swimming placement for individuals entering at higher ranks. Finally, the U.S. Naval Academy and ROTC programs can provide the certification. The purpose of the Navy swim test is to be comfortable enough in the water that you don’t panic.

Is swimming important in the Navy?

Therefore, swimming is just as important in the U.S. Navy as being able to run a mile or do push-ups. While you should take the time to prepare for the Navy Swim Test this is not meant to alarm you into thinking it’s impossible to complete the requirement. All you need is a little practice and preparation to earn your Third-Class Navy Swimmer ...

Is swimming scary?

Image: Flickr. Swimming is scary to a lot of folks in the United States, but you don’t have to worry about it. Taking swimming lessons early in life is a good survival skill and is also a phenomenal way to condition. It also gains you confidence in the water so passing the Navy Swim Test will be a breeze:

Is 50 yard swim difficult?

For example, if you don’t like heights, the 5 or 10 foot platform may intimidate you more for the deep water jump. However, the 50 yard swim is more challenging for recruits that are in poor shape or haven’t practiced their breaststroke enough.

Do you have to be in water to be in the Navy?

The U.S. Navy is different from other military branches like the Army and National Guard which make no such requirement. There is an obvious need to be able to survive in water since most sailors spend a portion of their duty in an ocean or near a major body of water.

How deep can you swim in the Navy?

The basic Swim Skills Assessment measures your ability to swim 15 yards in chest-deep water, swim another 15 yards in water over your head, tread water for one full minute and float facedown for one full minute. Basic swimming lessons teach all of these skills, and you should be comfortable with them before entering basic training. The Navy offers remedial swimming classes for those who don't pass this minimum skills test--but in the military, your goal is to exceed the requirement, not just pass. The swim test for the Third-Class Swimmer includes the basic Swim Skills Assessment Test, in addition to a few more skills that ensure you can survive in open water without a flotation device in a man-overboard situation.

What is the swim test for 3rd class?

The swim test for the Third-Class Swimmer includes the basic Swim Skills Assessment Test, in addition to a few more skills that ensure you can survive in open water without a flotation device in a man-overboard situation . Advertisement.

How long do you have to float for the 3rd class swim test?

The Third-Class Swimmer test requires you to float facedown for 5 minutes in any position, exhaling through the nose and mouth and pivoting at the neck to inhale through mouth. Your arm and leg movements should keep you on the surface, but excessive positional movement is unacceptable.

How to swim 50 yards in the Navy?

The Navy has very specific instructions for each stroke, mostly regarding breathing and propulsion techniques. Learn the proper kick for each stroke and learn to exhale underwater, so that you have to inhale only when you come up for breath. Practice technique to coordinate arm and leg movements for optimum propulsion.

Can you take remedial swimming classes in the Navy?

Basic swimming lessons teach all of these skills, and you should be comfortable with them before entering basic training. The Navy offers remedial swimming classes for those who don't pass this minimum skills test--but in the military, your goal is to exceed the requirement, not just pass.

Do Navy sailors need to be strong swimmers?

Seamen must be strong swimmers. Image Credit: alessandro0770/iStock/Getty Images. Before you complete U.S. Navy basic training, you must qualify as a Third-Class Swimmer. Further testing is required to qualify for advanced positions within the Navy, but all are based on the Swim Skills Assessment Test.

What are the military swimming tests?

Usually, these tests are either performed at the various military indoctrination training programs throughout the branches or in advanced training such as that performed in special forces.

Do not hyperventilate before swimming?

Before swimming underwater for the various underwater tests in the military, do not hyperventilate - take one big inhalation, one big exhalation, followed by a big inhalation. Doing this several times will be hyperventilating - DO NOT Hyperventilate!

Does the Air Force Have a Swim Test?

The Air Force does not have a swim test requirement for enlistment or during their 8.5-week Basic Training. However, they do teach and require one to learn basic water safety & survival skills during Basic Training (i.e. staying afloat, basic front crawl stroke, treading water, and basic water survival tips/tools for shorter durations).

How Far Do You Have to Swim to Join the Navy?

Because all enlisted personnel in the Navy are required to obtain 3rd Class Swimmer qualification, one will have to swim, at minimum, 50 yards when enlisting with the U.S. Navy. However, truly, exactly how far one will be required to swim for enlistment and basic training depends on the level of qualification one is trying to obtain.

What Military Branches Do Not Require Swimming?

The only two branches of the U.S. military that require all enlisted personnel to have swimming skills, not just water safety & survival skills, are the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. That means the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Marines enlisted personnel do not require swimming skills. Though the U.S.

What is the swim test at Navy boot camp?

Part of Navy boot camp is the swim test. Many Sailors join the Navy without knowing how to swim, but instructors at boot camp are trained to teach you everything you’ll need to know before the test. The test consists of three events: a jump into a pool, a 50-yard swim and a prone float for five minutes.

How many points do you need to pull your own weight in the Navy?

Your overall score must amount to 60 points. Learn more about how PRTs are scored.

How long does a Navy ship stay on the sea?

A typical sea deployment on a Navy ship can last anywhere from six to nine months. Ships typically deploy once every 18-24 months.

Does the Navy allow tattoos?

The Navy has the most accepting tattoo policy of any military branch. In fact, Sailors have a long history of getting tattoos to symbolize milestones within their Navy careers. Sailors can have full-sleeve tattoos.

When did the Navy start doing curl ups?

It’s the first major change to the assessment since the Navy introduced fitness assessments in the early 1980s. Sailors have long complained about the curl-up. As Navy researchers studied the exercise, they found it was not a true test of abdominal strength. Also, it did not prepare Sailors to better accomplish shipboard tasks.

When will the Navy give the forearm plank?

As previously announced, the Navy will give Sailors a one-cycle grace period for the forearm-plank. Though the event will be conducted during the 2021 Cycle, it won’t officially count until 2022.

Will the Navy resume fitness testing?

The Navy will resume two testing cycles once conditions permit. The Department of Defense has long mandated all services conduct annual fitness testing. However, COVID-19 mitigation measures in place since the spring allow services to waive the requirement as a force protection measure.

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What Is The Navy Swim Test?

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The United States Navy makes it mandatory that all recruits complete a Third-Class Swimmer qualification as part of its basic training. The U.S. Navy is different from other military branches like the Army and National Guard which make no such requirement. There is an obvious need to be able to survive in water since most s…
See more on operationmilitarykids.org

What Is The Purpose of The Navy Swim Test?

  • The U.S. Navy Swim Test – like most examinations – may seem pointless yet its important for a reason. Everyone that joins the Navy needs to be at least comfortable in or around water, as well as know how to employ basic survival skills. Additionally, as recruits progress through the various classifications (if they wish), you’ll see how it applies to real life situations. For example, the chal…
See more on operationmilitarykids.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Swimming is scary to a lot of folks in the United States, but you don’t have to worry about it. Taking swimming lessons early in life is a good survival skill and is also a phenomenal way to condition. It also gains you confidence in the water so passing the Navy Swim Test will be a breeze:
See more on operationmilitarykids.org

Conclusion

  • Swimming is a hard cardiovascular activity. The water is cold and dark and scary. All of these are reasons not to become a good swimmer. However, in the U.S. Navy nothing benefits you more than arriving at boot camp in good physical condition and already comfortable in the water. You can find some excellent beginner swimmer workouts on Shape.com. See Also Navy A School Lo…
See more on operationmilitarykids.org

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