<p>I was wondering if any current or former midshipmen could share their experiences in regards to the 40 Year Swim Test. Noting Swimming background would be great.</p>
<p>The 40-minute swim is conducted during 2nd class year. All of the mids are required to jump into the pool wearing their khaki uniforms (less footwear) and swim a minimum distance between a couple of flags. The only thing that makes this test a little difficult is that everybody is restricted to a single lane which results in having to swm over the top of some of your classmates.</p>
<p>If you can swim, this test isn't that difficult. However, if you are a "sub" squad member (i.e., can't swim or swim like a rock) this test can be a difficult challenge. All midshipmen are required to pass this test to graduate.</p>
<p>Well, it's called the 40-YEAR Swim for a reason; it seems to take that long.</p>
<p>For those who don't know (and assuming no changes since I did it), the 40YS is a swim test that must be passed by all 2/C Mids. It lasts 40 minutes and requires the Mid to swim not less than a certain distance in that timeframe while wearing Khakis and no shoes. Any stroke can be used, and no breaks are allowed. So much as touching the side of the pool will get you an F. In my day, it was something on the order of 12 laps the long way (i.e. - across the normal swim lanes) in LeJeune Hall. Current Mids will be able to provide a more accurate number.</p>
<p>If you are a good swimmer (good, not spectacular), you will be OK. I was and am a GREAT swimmer, but with below-average cardiovascular fitness (for a Mid), and I managed to do one more lap than the minimum without too much of a near-death experience. The last half-lap, though, was torture as I was crawl-stroking for all I was worth to beat the clock and get that extra lap.</p>
<p>IMO, best stroke to use is the breast stroke. Best way to get good at it is practice. IIRC, the swimming classes that culminate in the test give you ample opportunity.</p>
<p>To pass the time, just hum to yourself, or do anything that takes your mind off the drudgery. Oh, and swim goggles are (were) allowed.</p>
<p>I did mine with about 100 other Mids at the same time. We all jumped in, gathered at one end of the pool in our respective lanes (4 or five had been marked off with a bouy at each end). The whistle sounded and off we went. As you pass each lap, there is a coach collecting your count, so you basically shout your name to him as you turn for the next lap. Don't know if that has changed any. </p>
<p>While you are in a designated swim lane, you have multiple people in it who may pass you or be passed by you. In my day, remaining to the right was the rule.</p>
<p>To be perfectly honest, I had fun. Swimming was the one physical activity I enjoyed (still is). I'd love to give it a crack today and see if I can still do it.</p>
<p>There was also another examination coupled with this same class that required us to jump off the 10-meter board in Khakis, hit the water (obviously, as opposed to the concrete) and then swim underwater to the other end of the dive pool without first surfacing. A snap for me, but others (especially those afraid of heights) struggled between the fall and the impact. Fortunately, it was pass/fail and you only had to do it once.</p>
<p>IMO, both these tests are excellent in that they simulate real-world possibilities and give you an inkling of what to expect.</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>ETA: BTW, 10 meters doesn't sound like much until you have to jump off it sans parachute. ;)</p>
<p>chafing was a huge issue...don't use spray deodorant for a couple of days after....Ouch!!!!</p>
<p>I always said that if they REALLY wanted to make it realistic, they'd throw a few sharks into the pool, pour some burning oil on the surface, and turn off the lights... :D</p>
<p>Look at the bright side: A few of the guys ahead of you in OOM would be taken out, increasing your chances for that coveted pilot slot. ;)</p>
<p>During Plebe summer son's company all got into the center of the pool. The cadre slowly pulled a rope around the entire group and kept slowly reducing the area He was glad he had gone through life saving classes as the panic that was all around him was frightful.</p>
<p>So, you have to swim back and forth over your fellow mids for 40 minutes w/out touching the sides? I'm going to think this is going to take you into the shallows, or is that what the buoy is for? </p>
<p>Boy is a GREAT swimmer and CV fit. Do they take mandatory swimming before this or just if they need to?</p>
<p>I seem to recall doing it 1/C year -- either I'm getting old & forgetful or they changed it. </p>
<p>I'm not a great swimmer but a good one for someone who never swam competitively and I did fine. Got a "B," I think. In my day, you had to swim progressively longer amounts each year -- it started with 200M, then 400, then 800 (I think) and then the 40YS. If you get Bs or even high Cs on the prior swims, you'll be fine on the 40YS.</p>
<p>We used a fellow mid to count for us (as I recall) and called out our preassigned number. The mid would also tell us what lap we were on.</p>
<p>The key is staying away from your flailing classmates and large groups b/c they will slow you down, because you to have to tread water (and maybe swallow some), etc. That's also the hardest part. Second hardest part is pacing yourself. Don't be afraid to swim sidestroke or backstroke part of the time to "rest." However, try to keep moving forward rather than floating or treading water. </p>
<p>At the end of the day, I found it monotonous, somewhat pointless (given the gaggle of people in the pool at the same time), but NOT by far the hardest physical thing I did at USNA!</p>
<p>
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During Plebe summer son's company all got into the center of the pool. The cadre slowly pulled a rope around the entire group and kept slowly reducing the area.
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</p>
<p>Hmmmm..... That's a new one.</p>
<p>Closest I ever saw to a mass panic was the "tread water with your hands up in the air" test. A hell of a lot harder than it sounds, let me tell you.</p>
<p>Plebe year has a manditory PE swimming class. (along with Boxing and Wrestling) Validating it was not that difficult if you have any swimming experience. It is a 200 yard swim in a specified time which I can't seem to remember as my Plebe didn't have any problem as he swam for his high school.</p>
<p>so Zaphod they do have swimming classes to help with this test? Im a below average swimmer, so classes would greatly benefit me.</p>
<p>^^^^^
The class is called "sub" squad. Poor swimmers are required to attend this class in the afternoon in lieu of their regular sporting activity.</p>
<p>does it take place year round because im considering playing football(some time either varsity or sprint)</p>
<p>
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I seem to recall doing it 1/C year -- either I'm getting old & forgetful or they changed it....
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</p>
<p>USNA1985 is correct. The 40-min swim is 1/C year along with the tower jump. The 200-yard swim was 3/C year and the 400-yard swim was 2/C year.</p>
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does it take place year round because im considering playing football(some time either varsity or sprint)
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</p>
<p>Midshipmen stay on "sub" squad until they pass the required swimming test. The timing depends upon when the PE department schedules the swimming test during the year.</p>
<p>
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so Zaphod they do have swimming classes to help with this test? Im a below average swimmer, so classes would greatly benefit me.
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</p>
<p>You will get more swimming classes than you can shake a swimsuit at. At least one semester/trimester/grading period each year was dedicated to swimming. If you can't swim by the time you come to graduate, something is seriously wrong.</p>
<p>That said, I know one guy (prior-enlisted E-5, NAPSter, Physics Major with a Minor in Russian, and a 3.8+ GPA) who was forced to resign in 2/C year because you could tie a rope around his waist and use him as an anchor.</p>
<p>Finally, as GA said, if you don't pass a swimming test you will be put on the sub squad for extra instruction. All the opportunities to learn are there, and there is a certain method to the swim coach's madness when it comes to them teaching the basics.</p>
<p>I was a GOOD swimmer when I went into USNA. I was GREAT when I left. If I had had a clear head about me, I could have done the swim team. Oh, well.</p>
<p>You'll be fine. Just don't be afraid. You'd be amazed how much of "not knowing to swim" is actually "scared to death of drowing in a pool surrounded by classmates and instructors" rather than physics.</p>
<p>For some reason, I continue to recall the 40YS as being a 2/C test. Whatever. 2/C or 1/C, you gotta pass it.</p>
<p>Pretty good so far.</p>
<p>Profmom2, the enclosed swimming, with the lane lines around a group of plebes is during sea trials.</p>
<p>4/C: 200m swim
3/C: 400m swim, 10m jump
2/C: 40 year swim, 1000m minimum (10 laps)</p>
<p>The 40 year swim was hard during the validation test, but when we took the actual test it wasn't hard at all.</p>
<p>jadler03 - They did it last summer during Plebe summer too. I think part of Plebe Forces Exercise (PFOREX) was when he did it.</p>
<p>Jadler, any ideas the actual distance of each lap? If I had to take a wild stab in the dark, I'd call it between 120 to 170 meters each (round trip).</p>
<p>USNA1985 and GA:</p>
<p>They must have changed it since ya'll were here. 200 yd is 4/C, 400 is 3/C, and 40 year is 2/C.</p>
<p>1/C they do a swimming class 2nd semester but in small classes based on service selection.</p>