Swim Test

Adapted from an email by Bill Diedrich, Water Safety Chair

This message is for all boaters who might have to take or give a swim test sometime.

Passing the swim test is required for all paddling ratings above a lake rating. You are excempt from taking the swim test if you have Red Cross Lifesaving Certification, or similar training from another organization. This certification does not have to be current.

Giving the swim test: The swim test may only be given by paddlers with a rating of 3p, SK2, or above, unless they have permission of the Water Safety Board (any former lifeguards out there, talk to Mark M or me, we'd love to have you give swim tests).

The requirements for the swim test are listed below (for both instructor and student):
1) the instructor must be wearing a lifevest.
2) no more than two swimmers at a time.
3) the instructor should have two lifevests handy to toss to any swimmer who might need it (at least one per swimmer).
4) to pass the test, you must wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and footwear that stays on (tevas are often a problem here). Also, no buoyant clothing - no neoprene (I guess neoprene booties would be ok).
5) to pass the test, swim 50 yards in 3 minutes. You may use any stroke you want (something with an in-water recovery phase is best). At some point, you must demonstrate the side stroke. When you finish the 50 yards, tread water or float until you been in the water a total of 5 minutes. You may not touch the dock or bottom of the lake during the 5 minutes.
6) instructors, be sure to have your swimmers swim parallel to whatever dock you are using. It's a bad idea for the swimmers to ever get very far away from you or the safety of the dock. Also, be sure to pick an area that's safe and relatively easy for the swimmers to get out of the water.

One more thing to note: Many people have a tough time with this test because they make a poor choice of clothing to wear. Jeans are a bad choice – they weigh a lot when wet. But far worse is a loose fitting top of any kind, especially cotton. Wear something close fitting, like a synthetic long underwear top. Also, be sure your footwear is going to stay on, and also that it doesn't distract you by coming loose.

I've mostly noticed people not following (1) and/or (3), though a few times I've seen more than two people in the water. I'd also encourage you to ask people if they are a good swimmer. Most people have a pretty good idea. If the person is especially nervous, it's a good idea to reassure them and keep a closer eye on them.

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