The swimming tests in this section go beyond the simple 25 meter swim test. They are designed to assess your fitness and survival skills. Swimming in clothes is a required skill for lifesaving classes and many other water sports. This could save your life one day. Follow the usual safety procedures. Adjust your training accordingly. Above all, these tests are great fun.

Basic Swimming Competence Test

All elements of this test should be performed consecutively in the order shown, in standard swimwear or whatever clothing you prefer.
1. Swim 100 metres without rest using any recognised swimming stroke.

2. Remain afloat for 2 minutes in a restricted area of water, with a maximum radius of 2 metres.

3. Exit the pool at a point were you're out of depth without an aid.
   

Intermediate Swimming Competence Test

All elements of this test should be performed consecutively in a tee-shirt (or similar attire) and standard swimwear.
1. Swim 50 metres on the front and 50 metres on the back, using any recognised swimming strokes.

2. Surface dive and retrieve an object from the deepest part of the pool.

3. Swim 25 metres to a casualty (conscious weak swimmer) and and do a non-contact tow over 25 metres.

4. Remain afloat for 3 minutes in a restricted area (2  metres) using the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) position.

Advanced Swimming Competence Test

All elements of this test should be carried out in clothing, like overalls or tee-shirts and trousers. Not more than 2 minutes rest is permitted between sections.
1. Enter deep water by a straddle jump.

2. Swim continously 300 metres using recognised swimming strokes, change of strokes to take place every 100 metres.

3. Swim 20 metres to a casualty in 20 seconds or less and do a contact tow over 20 metres. Assist the casualty to land.

4. Retrieve an object from the deepest part of the pool.
   Upon surfacing tow a live casualty 5 metres to safety in deep water. With an assistant lift the casualty to onto the pool side.

5. Swim 50 metres in 60 seconds or less.

Liferaft Test

This is an old air force swimming test, but it's still good fun. Candidates are required to pass the following test, which must be carried out in clothing like denims or similar garments, without footwear. Not more than 3 minutes rest may be taken between the sections.
1. Enter the water by a straddle jump into the deep end of the pool.

2. Swim continuously 150 meters breast or side stroke and 50 meters back stroke.

3. Swim 15 meters under water, then right an overturned multi or single seat liferaft and climb into it.

4. Swim 20 meters to a subject for life-saving and using the collar-grip or chin-tow method of rescue tow him/her 20 meters.

5. Remain afloat for 10 minutes in a restricted area of water, with a maximum radius of 5 meters.

Navy Swimming Tests

These tests assess your swimming ability for various naval qualifications. All tests are to be performed fully clothed.

Navy 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.

Navy 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 seep 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.

Navy 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.

Before you apply for any test, have a swim in your exam clothes, so there won't be any surprises. Swim a good distance and see what happens. You'll be amazed what difference waterlogged clothes can make.

Please consider these points:

• Can you swim well in your clothes?
  
• Are they comfortable when wet?
  
• Are they too tight or too baggy?
  
• Can you move freely?
  
• Do your clothes stay put when wet?
  
• Is there a waist band or belt to keep them in place?
  
• Do they chafe or get in the way?
  
• Have you tried different outfits?