I’m a prefrosh and have some questions about the swim test. I know you have to jump in at the beginning; do must people do a dive to start or just jump feet first? Also, what do people wear to it (specifically females)? I’m assuming a bikini wouldn’t be good because it might fall off or move out of place. Do girls wear one pieces or shorts & a t shirt or something else? Any help would be appreciated!
The swim test is not a big deal at all. You don’t have to dive in at the beginning unless you want to. Usually they have you do three lengths of the pool - one to the other end, then back, then to the other end again and you get out. I think they want you to do one on your front, one on your back, and one however you want but I’m not sure if they’ve changed this since I was a freshman. You can wear whatever swimsuit you feel comfortable swimming in; I wore a one-piece but this wasn’t required.
You’re not allowed to dive; feet first jump. You swim three laps: one front, one back, one optional. No rests inbetween; each length is 25 m. You can’t touch the floor or rest in the middle of the pool, but you can literally just float on the water for backstroke and the optional stroke.
I failed the swim test my first try but learned how to float and did it a week later. It was SO much easier.
How strict are they about form? I mean, do you have to do the breast stroke/back stroke or can you just doggy paddle?
No diving. You have to jump in feet first. No stopping, no hanging on walls to catch your breath. The swim needs to be continuous. Three lengths: one on your front, (freestyle), one on your back, (backstroke), and one of your choice. 25 m each length. It’s not that bad. If you fail, they will tell you right away.
I took it two days ago, even though I’m a senior. You can literally just doggy-paddle.
You can definitely doggy paddle, although you may not want to as you’ll take more time to finish and that may make you more tired. If anything, if you can float, use the second and third lap to float and kick.
I can guarantee that, if you are not a very good swimmer, passing the test will give you a whole new appreciation for watching what swimmers do at the olympics.
Also, you don’t have to do any of those fancy flip-turns at the ends. When you hit the end of one side, just grab the edge and push yourself off.
No one cares about form; just don’t drown and you’ll pass.
Also I think if you take one of the swim classes twice (beginning swim maybe?) you are exempt from the swim test. So even if you fail if you take swimming twice you’re fine.
Double check me on that though, I’m not sure if it’s 100% true.
Back in the day (1983) you had a chance to do the test at the end of the swim class. I don’t think anyone in the class with me was unable to complete the test at that point.
Does anyone know how deep the pool is?
@moonstar9869 deepest part is around 14 feet. Shallowest part is around 5 feet. You jump in at the 14 feet portion and swim three laps. If you touch the floor you fail so try to stay afloat!
@dedex13 I took Beginner Swim and he offered the swim test after every class. Most students passed it after the first 8 classes (so like a month in).
So just to clarify, we can touch the wall to push off when we finish a lap? Or does that count as failing?
You jump in feet first, do one lap (push off the wall if you want). You can push off the wall for your second lap and last lap. The only things you can’t do are:
- Touch the pool floor
If you can survive three laps without touching the floor you’re fine!
When I swim on my front, I alternate between front crawl and side stroke. Do you think this would still count as a front stroke?
@moonstar9869 That sounds fine, as long as you don’t swim on your back for the front stroke.