What are the physical requirements for the Navy, specifically how good of a swimmer do you really need to be?

Answer 1

You don't need to know how to swim... we'll TEACH you in recruit training. You must pass the third-class swim test during your training

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.

Second-Class Swim Test - A second 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) indefinitely. The second class swimmer qualification is used as an entry-level Requirement for Small Boat Operators, Naval Aircrew, and Rescue Swimmers.

The Second class swim test consists of a deep water jump, 100 yard swim demonstrating 25 yards each of the crawl stroke, breast stroke, side stroke, and elementary backstroke. Immediately after the completion of the swim, without leaving the water, students will prone float (face down) for 5 minutes and transition to a back float before exiting the water.

First-Class Swim Test - The first class swim test is required for certain Naval duties, such as to become a certified Navy Swimming Instructor.

To pass the First Class Swim Test, candidates must first obtain a Red Cross or YMCA Life Saving Certificate (or NEC). The candidate must show proficiency (perfection) with the crawl stroke, breast stroke, side stroke, and elementary backstroke. Additionally, they must perform a 25-yard underwater swim, surfacing twice to demonstrate the surface burning oil technique.

Answer 2

My husband could not even think about swimming when he joined the Navy. He was in OCS an extra 2 weeks to learn how, but that's it... Swimming is an option for the PRT, but most people choose to run. In a nutshell, it's not a requirement to learn how to swim. If you go to the Naval Academy, your physical requirements are more stringent, but if you can run, do sit-ups and push-ups, you'll probably be good to go. Also, the requirements are more lenient the older you get.

Answer 3

You need to be under 21% body fat if I remember correctly, Im 5'11 and I had to be under 196 pounds. You dont have to be a great swimmer unless youre going to BUDS or you want to be a rescue diver. There is a swimming test in boot camp and it isnt difficult if you are an adequate swimmer.

Answer 4

Knowing how to swim is NOT a requirement for joining the US Navy.

If you serve at sea, you are on a ship. If the ship goes down, you are wearing a life vest. You don't actually think that anyone SWIMS home 1,000 miles from land?

Answer 5

you have to get across the lenght of the pool once

Answer 6

not very physcial