Swimming test

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Permalink Reply by Robert S. on December 29, 2008 at 11:15am

Brian, I might not be the best for info on this but I will try to help. They get multiple opportunities to past the swim test. I am not sure how many. If they still do not pass, I think they are put in an extra swimming class. He might be put back in a later PIR class depending on how long it takes for him to pass. There are many recruits that can not swim well when they get there and they have classes for them. From everything I have read, they want all the recruits to pass and they will do everything they can to help him. I do know they have to pass at some point in order to graduate. I am sure he will get through it. Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Lee on December 29, 2008 at 3:29pm

Brian, from what my son said, there are 3 parts to the swimming test. First is jumping off the board, second is the swimming, and last is the prone or dead man's float. They get 3 chances for each one. If they fail any one of the three, they are given extra training over and above their normal training. My son actually passed the swimming test and didn't think he would have a problem with the prone float. Of course, that is where is having problems. He has his 3rd attempt after the first of the year. If he doesn't pass then, his PIR may be delayed 1 to 2 weeks. If it is any consolation, my son couldn't swim at all before he went to boot camp.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Pearson on December 29, 2008 at 6:40pm

Thanks Robert and Lee. Stephen said in his letter that he was having trouble jumping off the board. I sure hope he can overcome the situation. I just want him to learn to put his trust in his shipmates and move forward. I wish I could talk to him but all I have been able to do is write him. I should have brought him down to my old swim hole by a train tressel and waited for the train because you ether jumped or played tag with the train, LOL.

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Permalink Reply by Lee on December 30, 2008 at 7:31am

Brian, I tired to get my son to take swimming lessons at the "Y" before he left, but being the procrastinator he is, he wouldn't do it. He has since written me that I was right and he should have done it. As I told my wife, you can lead a kid to water but you can't make him swim! :-)

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