DM swim tests...what a wake up call

[on_two_wheels]

Did a test or two today...I knew they wouldn't be easy but my goodness!! I'm fast approaching 41 years old. I'd say I'm in moderate shape. I can still pass my military fitness test with a mid-high 80s score. Yet when I did the tests, it was pretty disappointing. I did the 100 meter tired diver and only got a 3. Then tried the 400 m swim. At the halfway point, I was already at 5 minutes and counting. Realizing I'd be slower on the second half and already tired, I decided to do it another day. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't just constant laps. Ugh!! Give me a 200 meter length to go out and back and I'd probably fair better. It's like running two miles on a 1/4 mile track. I do much worse than when I run a mile out and back. Probably would've helped had I not just done the 100 meter tired diver tow minutes before, too. Oh, well....driving on.

 

[tstormdiver]

When I did my Dive Control Specialist swim tests a few years ago, it wasn't easy, but it wasn't a killer either. SOme things you might want to consider:

1. You need to find a pace that works for you & should not deviate from that pace.

2. What kind of turns are you doing when you reach the end of the pool? You may want to get with someone well versed in competitive swimming to give you some pointers.

3. Is there a longer pool available? When we did our swim tests, we did it at the local diving quarry. We used a buoy on 100 yds of rope, so less turns. Swim to the end & back & so forth.

4. you definitely should take a bit of a break before going to the next swim. Even 10- 15 minutes can make a huge difference.

From your physical test results, it sounds like you should be plenty in shape to do the tests, just need to refine your techniques to make yourself more efficient. I wasn't in very good shape when I did mine, but as a teenager I did competitive swimming & so knew how to make the water work for me, instead of against me.

 

[ajduplessis]

The 400m is not easy if you don't swim on a regular basis. Many folks think that 400m is a short distance and quickly realise after 150-200m that it will be very tough.

Swimming have been debated to death on these treads, but I am still a believer that if you can't swim strongly you should not be diving!!! Easy as that.

 

[Peter Guy]

IMHO way too much is made out of the swim tests -- as in "I only got a 3" on X part. So what?

The goal is get a total of 15 points (or more). If you can get that, what difference does it make?

It seems to me this is another case of focusing on the wrong things in the DM course. Focus on becoming a great DM -- that is the key.

 

[waterpirate]

Agree with Peter with one caviot. Shame on you for trying the test without a pre-test. I did a practice run in the ocean before my swim tests and it was quite an eye opener that some remedial swimming was in order. Cudos for trying it. Do not focus on the setback, focus on doing some remedial and the results will speak for themselves.
Eric

 

[on_two_wheels]

I agree that a DM should be a strong swimmer. However, having to swim nearly a kilometer with fins on? I'd like to see the study that made them come up with that!! How about swimming 200 meters and finning 400 meters but reduce the time a bit? Better yet, eliminate the finning portion altogether and require a stronger, shorter swim but a longer diver tow? Seems that would be more realistic!!

Unfortunately, the only pool I have access to that's even remotely large enough to do any real distance is 30 miles each way. My local gym doesn't have one, nor does the base. Guess I'll be driving 60 miles a couple times a week for a bit.

 

[TSandM]

I struggled with the swim tests, too. I did find the snorkel/fin swim got MUCH easier when I switched fins -- I picked up almost 2 minutes by going from Jets to Novas.

I don't think you have to be a strong swimmer. But I'll tell you, from my experiences over the last year as a DM, that you need to be STRONG and have a LOT of stamina to be a good DM, at least the kind that works with classes. You will haul an enormous amount of equipment, and you will do a lot of walking and standing with your own gear on. I told Peter after this last class that I knew what the swim test were for -- they weren't for swimming. They were just for plain old garden-variety stamina, because you need a lot of that.

 

[hypertech]

IMHO way too much is made out of the swim tests -- as in "I only got a 3" on X part. So what?

The goal is get a total of 15 points (or more). If you can get that, what difference does it make?

It seems to me this is another case of focusing on the wrong things in the DM course. Focus on becoming a great DM -- that is the key.

I agree. Plus, its pretty easy to get a 5 on the float/tread so its OK to come in slower on the other swims.

I'm not a great swimmer, but I think I'm a reasonably strong swimmer. I don't swim well, ever. I don't really enjoy swimming. But, I got respectable scores and it did give me some confidence that if I did need to go get someone, I am capable of doing that.

 

[cbm32]

Is there a provision for requiring retesting periodically after one qualifies as a DM?

If not, what is the point of this testing?

 

[TMHeimer]

Is there a provision for requiring retesting periodically after one qualifies as a DM?

If not, what is the point of this testing?

Yes, excellent point. I also agree with PeterGuy that there could be too much focusing on the tests/test scores, etc. I found the 400 meter shockingly long my first try. And I think it is true that how you do your turns does affect your time, of course. But are you going to do turns anytime as a DM? Swim technique and at least somewhat regular training is needed. Tons of opinions on this subject can be found in "Going Pro" subforum. One thread I started titled "Change the Stamina Tests?" As I've often stated--being in very good overall shape doesn't at all mean one is in good SWIMMING shape. I disagree that the 800 meter mask/fins/snorkel should be eliminated. This is what you may actually DO as a DM. Perhaps this could even be lengthened. Perhaps the 400 meter actual swim should be lessened. I have asked the question often "In what scenario would a DM (or any diver)actually be swimming 400 meters (or any distance) without fins?" I have yet to receive any real examples of such a scenario. There may be one out there, but you could also get struck by lighning doing a giant stride. Isn't it like rule # 2 of Rescue Course to always have m/f/s handy and ready to go? Then there is the discussion of whether the DM stamina tests really have anything to do with rescuing someone, or are they just random tests of stamina? Another interesting can of worms.