OW swim test question

[Joanne Hughes]

I am a 44 year old 'fossil' and have finally taken the plunge and signed up along with my kids aged 13 and 15 for OW course starting next week - Im just getting a bit nervous now, I was excited initially. I have been working on my swimming over the last couple of weeks having not done any for a long time and although not a technical expert swimmer like both my kids are, I can plod along doing breast stroke for around 500 metres in comfort. My question is, at what stage of the course will i have to embarrass my kids with my 200 mtr swim, and is there a time limit? Im in no way super fit, it takes me about a minute to do each 25m length of the baths.I am overweight and slightly out of condition but I am working on this (im 5 feet 2inches and a size 14) Also, the treading water 'bit, can I float on my back for some of this as I find this easier. I shall be doing the pool work in a 3mm wetsuit (shorty) and presume I shall be able to wear this for the swim tests.

My kids would 'die' of they knew I had posted this for all to see, but this website has given me SO MUCH information and encouragement, its great.

 

[Wayward Son]

Usually, the swim is 200 or 225 meters, any stroke, no time limit. You just can't stop & rest during.

Speed isn't an issue.

 

[Wayward Son]

Treading water means just that, not floating. Some agencies have a float test, some also tread water. When my wife took PADI, it was swim & float only, no treading required.

No, you will not be able to wear a wet suit for the swim. At least not that I've ever heard of.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

You mentioned the breaststroke, but for long distance swimming, the sidestroke (and alternating sides, as one or the other tires) conserves the most energy and is the easiest. Good luck!

 

[Joanne Hughes]

Thanks for your reply, i shall have to work a bit on the treading water side of things. Its the PADI course we are doing

 

[RonFrank]

The swim tests are done without exposure protection.

I think you must tread water for 15 minutes. I'm not sure of this, I just remember it was boring. The swim is also without a suit, and time does not matter, but you can not rest.

As for passing these tests, keep in mind that it's in your best interest to be comfortable in the water, and to be able to float easily, and be a good swimmer. While this is not necessary for a lot of diving, it could save your life one day in the water.

Enjoy the class, I think you will do fine.

 

[Walter]

Depends on the agency, most leave when the test is administered up to the instructor. YMCA requires a swim test prior to in water training. Most agencies require a 200 yard/meter swim, although some require 300 and at least one allows you to substitute a 300 yard/meter snorkel for the 200 yard/meter swim. Some agencies allow the instructor to add requirements, some don't. I'm not aware of any agencies that require a timed swim at the OW level. Since we don't know what agency you're using, it might be best to ask your instructor.

 

[Joanne Hughes]

Its PADI OW and thanks for your thoughts on this

 

[Walter]

PADI has an option, it's either a 200 yard/meter swim or a 300 yard/meter snorkel. A 10 minute float is also required. I belierve you can do it any time during the class.

 

[mark99]

I believe for PADI it is a 200 yd/m swim with no time limit. You will not be able to wear the wetsuit, just a swimsuit. If you are comfortable swimming 500 m breaststroke you'll have no problem. It is also a 10 minute "tread water", but I believe the only requirement is that you not touch the bottom or sides of the pool- you can tread, float, paddle around, or whatever.