TrojanMan48 said:
What and when are the swim qualifications for the Navy HPSP? I currently cannot swim proficiently (I can only do the basic doggy paddle, I can't tread water or float sufficiently. Actually I think I'm physically inable to float, lol, is that possible?) and I'd like to learn how to swim well before having to be tested for it. Anyone know?
Testing Standards
Effective May 2002
Third Class Swim Test
The test consists of two modules:
Module One is composed of three separate events:
1. Enter the water feet first in the abandon ship position from a minimum height of 5 feet (we use a platform of about 10 feet).
2. Swim 50 yards using any combination of water survival strokes (American crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke and the elementary backstroke).
3. Prone float for 5 minutes.
Swimmers who successfully pass an event of Module One, do not have to repeat that particular event.
Module Two Coverall inflation.
The prone float (Module One) and Coverall inflation (Module Two) must occur in deep water (deep water is defined at water too deep to stand with mouth and nose above the surface).
Deep Water Jump
Jumps are performed from a 10 foot platform.
Swimmers must display the ability to swim to the surface unassisted.
The following standards will be applied:
Component Acceptable Performance Standards
Body Position Waist must be straight. Head held with the neck straight, eyes staring
Arms Arms must be crossed with the hand of the arm closest to the chest pinching the nose with thumb and forefinger and the little finger positioned on the bottom of the jaw beneath the chin. The hand of the arm furthest from the chest grasps the biceps and triceps of the opposing arm.
Leg Legs must be straight and crossed at the ankles.
50-Yard Swim
Immediately after entering the water, swimmers must complete a 50-yard swim without stopping, standing, or holding onto the sides of the pool. The following strokes may be used:
Breastroke
Sidestroke
Elementary Backstroke
Crawlstroke
Prone Float (face down)
A 5-minute prone float will be administered with the following acceptable standards:
Component Acceptable Performance Standards
Body Position Any face down posture is acceptable.
Arms Any arm action is acceptable, with no forward or backward swimmer movement.
Kick Any kick or no kick is acceptable, with no forward or backward swimmer movement.
Breathing Swimmer must inhale from the mouth and exhale from the mouth and nose. Breathing should be slightly above resting rate (approximate 20 breaths per minute). Breathless- ness, gasping, erratic breathing or swallowing water is unacceptable.
Coordination
Swimmer's arm and leg actions must keep him/her on the surface at all times. Swimmer must stay in the general starting location; excessive forward or backward movement (swimming) is unacceptable. SWIMMER MUST APPEAR SAFE, CALM AND RELAXED.
