Swimming in WW2's Navy

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

Consider this though....

The ratio of sailors who can swim on their own is far far greater than the ratio of pilots who can fly under their own power.

Beat me to it

[swellfella]

Ah know I stressed WW2, but I wonder how the same question reflects on the modern Navy? Any of you vets have any reflections on how the present Navy handles the idea? Like if there's an official or quasi-official stance on recruits being able to swim?

Certainly the old saw mentioned about what the bleep good is swimming if you're down in the middle of the pacific with no immediately rescue on the horizon...particularly in regard to subbers in a downed boat. But however prevalent this view among sailors of whatever stripe, me hardly think it in no shape, form or fashion the 'official' position.

[Aktungbby]

Originally Posted by swellfella

Ah know I stressed WW2, but I wonder how the same question reflects on the modern Navy? Any of you vets have any reflections on how the present Navy handles the idea? Like if there's an official or quasi-official stance on recruits being able to swim?

https://www.thebalance.com/navy-swim-test-qualifications-4056770 No matter how you join the Navy, you must pass the swim test. Everyone must pass a Navy Third Class Swim Test. The initial test is conducted in basic training (boot camp) for enlisted personnel, and as part of officer accession training (OCS, Academy, ROTC) for commissioned officers.

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 Flotation 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.
A 3rd Class Swimmer is described as a person who can stay afloat and survive without the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in open water under optimum conditions long enough to be rescued in a man-over-board situation. The 3rd Class Swimmer qualification is the minimum entry-level requirement for all U.S. Navy personnel.

with the 'lack of certification' of two recently collided naval vessels due to lack of funding, I do wonder if certain basic training standards may have also been curtailed.....it costs a lot to fill a pool with water!-AKBBY (former Y.M.C.A. WSI instructor and S.L.A.M SCUBA diver)

[Eichhörnchen]

There's been a lot made of this new advice by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution here in the UK recently:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...-fall-10491690

But I... like many others... simply can NOT float, without some kind of buoyancy aid; even with my lungs filled with air if I stop paddling I SINK!