Didn't pass swim test

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Good plan! you are definetly on the right track and I bet you will pass the swim test the next time you try after the lessons.

I am SEVERELY negatively buoyant and can not even float in salt water. All the swimming tests I had to undergo throughout my diving career have always been a testiment to strength and endurance for me, just trying to keep my head above water. I swim like a fish underwater though.

Hang in there, you'll make it!
 
Supernal:
Thanks, Frank.

Part of the problem is that my swimming technique is very poor so I use a LOT of energy and hardly move at all! I'll definitely work on that.

Rhonda

You should hire a swim coach to teach you the proper form.

Sorry to hear that you failed the swim test but it's something that others should be aware of ... diving can and does require overall fitness.
 
Supernal:
Hey, I'm older than you! Harrummpphhh....

Darlin',

I'm older than you and the swim is much easier for me today than it was when I was a young whipper snapper.

Dive-aholic:
PADI standards are 200m swim, 400m mask/snorkel/fin.

Close. It's a 200 m/yd swim OR a 300 m/yd snorkel.

NAUI has no set distance, although many instructors still require the old 225 m/yd swim. YMCA is still a 300 m/yd swim.

DiverBuoy:
really? wow none of the dive shops I've ever worked for allow this ... hmm.

Why not? Standards don't specify a particular stroke.

Vayu:
Our swim test was 400 meters and timed.

Interesting. Who requires that?
 
You are going to do great with the lessons. Tell your swim instrctor what your goal is at the begining and she will help you with it. Aquafit is a great program too. Once you get a good relaxed stroke the test will go by easy. Don't stress the time, relax, and breath. You can so do this.
 
You can never beat the benefit of a expert instruction! If you are not able to take a class at the local Y look to see if a local college or even Highschool has a swim team. College students are always looking to earn extra money for beers and books. Training with a competitive swimmer will teach you streamline strokes and proper form making that next breath easier to get.
Train in no equipment swimming and do some snorkeling which will set you up for a comfort level with basic equipment that will make diving MUCH easier forever.

Eric
 
Walter -- GUE requires a 300 yd (standards are going up to 400 yard, which is what our class had to do) swim in 14 minutes for DIR-F.

I am moderately fit but a weak swimmer, and managed it easily within the time using the sidestroke. Rick Inman, who is also swimming-challenged, managed it easily using the backstroke. Sounds like the OP just needs to learn how to do one of the energy-saving strokes and she will be fine. Dog paddle is EXTREMELY inefficient!
 
Keep at it. The swim test/tread water was my biggest fear regarding the OW class. Just get in a mental zone and relax. Let your mind and body work for you, not against you.
 
You well do fine. I would get tierd after 400mm my salf. the pool is 50 mm long you would only have to do it 4 times each way not 8. Take it slow and easy no time limet so you con flote on your back and kick. You can swimm on you side just take your time just dont stop.. You well have fun don't make it a job [do or die] type of thang.
 

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