Swimming Requirements for the Naval Academy

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jeremy2029

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To attend the Naval Academy, how proficient do I need to be at swimming? I can only do basic survival swimming, so I'm worried about that.
 
I'm sure you will get more knowledgeable replies, but when our daughter started this year, it sounds like there are swimming tests over the summer and then swimming is part of the PE requirement. Plebes who end up with running injuries during plebe summer end up doing a lot of swimming in lieu of running, too. That said, we heard several times throughout the process that they take into account that some students don't know how to swim and/or may not have had access to many opportunities to swim, so they are prepared to teach students how to swim. It isn't a part of admissions in any way.
 
You will be taught… and everyone swims unless you test out. My plebe would recommend swim lessons leading up to I-day. He is not a strong swimmer and squeaked by in swim class. He regrets not taking lessons before coming.
 
My son entered the Academy like you.

My son got through it. Later on he had friends on water polo team that helped him.

Now he is training to take the dive test as an ensign.

You have no worries.
 
Hi @jeremy2029, every plebe summer including mine there are "aqua rocks" as they call them, kids who can't swim at all or swim poorly. They will teach you! And not "teach you" like throw you in the deep end and wish you luck, but really teach you how to float, how to do strokes, and most importantly, how not to panic in the water and be confident. If you want to know more, here's a link to the curriculum: https://www.usna.edu/PEDept/curriculum.php

Note that even though it says you have to complete a 40-foot underwater swim for plebe swimming and that sounds impossible now, it's really not. They will teach you everything from how to kick, to how to time your breathing, everything. Plus, a big part of USNA is helping out your classmates. Like, this semester I am leading swim PT for a few classmates in my company who are not as strong at swimming as I am (competitive swimmer for 10 years before I came here). If you can, take some swim lessons at your local community center or Y or from a personal trainer before you come, but it's not required.
 
jeremy2029 said:
To attend the Naval Academy, how proficient do I need to be at swimming? I can only do basic survival swimming, so I'm worried about that.
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If you are worried, and it’s affecting you, take some swim lessons. Maybe talk to your HS swim coach for some pointers.

I had an aqua rock. He didn’t do any prep. I also had a lifeguard. They both made it through. You will too.
 
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