The swimming program in the Academy is fast paced and requires recruits to have a certain degree of swimming proficiency. Emphasis is placed on "Survival" of the recruit when confronted with water emergencies.
Each recruit is required to pass a minimum skills test. The minimum skills test consists of swimming 50 yards followed by treading water continuously for 5 minutes. If a recruit cannot pass the minimum skills test or meet the requirements of the Water Safety Program he/she will be placed in the remedial swim program.
Successful completion of the Water Safety Program requires the participation in all water safety drills and successfully passing the minimum skills test. If an applicant/recruit has difficulty swimming, he/she is strongly urged to seek outside swim instruction prior to entering the Academy.