Can All Sailors Swim?

In the US Navy boot camp of 1980, ensuring every sailor had the ability to swim was of paramount importance. The requirement for a third-class swimmer was a fundamental milestone, a testament to the dangerous nature of maritime duties. Once a sailor had demonstrated the ability to step off a tenth-foot platform and float on their back, they were considered capable.

Navigating the Swim Test in Boot Camp

The first week of boot camp, affectionately known as '1-5 day,' was reserved for the most rigorous physical tests, including the swim test. Thousands of eager young men filed into a time-honored tradition of proving their worth in the face of water.

Standing on the pool deck, hundreds of us were about to leap into the unknown. The scene was set with two Navy SEALs as lifeguards, one youthful and another salt-and-pepper haired, a distant, kindly grandfather figure. On the 10-foot platform, another SEAL with broad shoulders and towering stature awaited. His imposing presence was a clear signal of the physical demands of a sailor's life.

Learning the Navy's First Lesson

Without a system in place to track how long each candidate would be in the pool, I, along with many others, found ourselves treading water for extended periods. I quickly realized the wisdom behind the Navy's warning: 'Never go first.' Watching ten others go first before me was a lesson in patience and the avoidance of unnecessary risks.

The test itself was a straightforward yet daunting challenge: step off the platform, tread water for five minutes, and swim 100 yards. As the whistle sounded, I found myself at the back of the pack, my breaths growing shorter and more labored. The physical toll of the previous days and the swim test combined to make each stroke tougher.

Tradition and Maritime Safety

Traditionally, a significant number of sailors and fishermen have been reluctant to learn to swim. The logic behind this reluctance is understandable: if the worst-case scenario unfolds, drowning might seem easier and faster than struggling for hours. However, this mindset is increasingly outdated and dangerous.

Modern maritime safety protocols emphasize the importance of swimming skills. In the U.S. Navy and many other navies around the world, the emphasis is on preventing accidents and minimizing casualties in the event of an emergency. Being able to swim is not just about survival, but about quickly locating fellow crew members and implementing rescue strategies.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Another critical aspect of maritime safety is the proper use of personal flotation devices (PFDs). While there have historically been some fishermen who have been reluctant to wear PFDs on the deck, the realization of their importance cannot be overstated. PFDs can be the difference between a quick and safe recovery and a prolonged and dangerous situation.

The U.S. Coast Guard requires all crew members to wear PFDs in certain conditions, and many modern vessels are equipped with automatic activation devices, ensuring that even unconscious crew members are kept afloat until rescue can be effected.

Conclusion

While it is true that not all sailors and fishermen may have learned to swim, the changing landscape of maritime safety in the modern era necessitates a different approach. Ensuring that every crew member possesses the basic ability to swim, combined with the proper use of safety equipment, is essential in reducing the number of casualties in the event of an emergency.

As we reflect on the lessons learned from the US Navy's boot camp in 1980, it is clear that the imperative for safe, competent sailors is as important as ever. Whether aboard a supertanker or a small fishing vessel, the ability to stay afloat and survive indefinite periods in the water can mean the difference between life and death.

So, can all sailors swim? The answer, while not universal, is increasingly a resounding 'yes.' And with it, we must embrace a culture of maritime safety ensuring that every crew member lives to tell the tale and return home to their loved ones.