Swim test at BC??

[Momof2]

Hi, my son doesn't go to boot camp until July, he is in the DEP.  Our main concern for him is the swim test.  He can swim enough to save his life and be comfortable about it but isn't that strong a swimmer.  We have 6 months to work on it and have already started going three times a week to the indoor pool to get stronger.  Can anyone tell me what the swim test consists of and what passing is so I can make sure he works on those things?  I just want to make sure he is prepared for the swimming part, since that will be his weak spot.   Thanks

[kjsdaughter]

My daughter had problems with the prone float. I think that is the hardest for some.

[CryptoDad]

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 modules. Module one is composed of three separate events, 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 module two. Module two consists of shirt and trouser or coverall inflation.

[Harleys best friend]

My son had problems with the prone float as well.  He almost missed his PIR due to passing the prone float.  Great idea to have your son practice now until he leaves if he is a weak swimmer.  Wish we had done the same for our son. 

[FormerDP]

You son does not need to be SEAL-level swimmer. However, as CrytoDad mentioned, he will have to pass the third-class swim test. Trust me, third class is the minimum skill level that one needs to stay alive in the open ocean for a short period of time.

[tina41]

hello!  my son had to take the swim test 6 times before he passed.  he too wasn't very good at swimming. they will work and help them. he still graduated with his division.  good luck to your son.

[Michele]

Work on becoming a strong swimmer and how to stay afloat. My son couldn't swim at all. He failed first time then passed half of it after they tested him them he passe altogether. They help u he said. I'm sure ur son will b fine and pass but it never hurts to learn

[Teejay]

OMG! This is scary! My son is swearing in today and is not a swimmer. Will this test hinder him?

[Asiasmom]

I was afraid of this too because my daughter is a very weak swimmer but I learned for those that don't know how to swim they will teach them to swim. They may have longer days because of this though

[CryptoDad]

Teejay, your son is not shipping out today right? It's just the swearing in that comes with his signing his contract and entering DEP. He will have months to get himself in shape and learn to swim if he wishes to. Having the swim and run requirements taken care of before shipping out for boot camp can relieve him of a lot of pressure, making everybody's lives a little less stressful.

Need to know more about DEP (Delayed Entry Program) and what to expect? Read the DEP START guide: http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/graphic-elements/PDFs/start_guide.pdf

[Momof2]

If he is DEP he needs to start learning to swim now. He will struggle and have more stress if he doesn't pass the swim test. They will teach him I hear but that means longer days and less time with his other division members learning and studying everything else.

[Georgiagurl43]

Hi Teejay, when is his leave date?

[AMOm :-)]

My SR left on 2/3 and was worried about the swim test. I talked to her Sunday and she passed all 3 parts with no problem. She's not a swimmer but she is comfortable in the water.