Lifeguard Course Swim Pretest

1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using a proper front crawl,  proper breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used only for this test.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
■ Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
■ Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
■ Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Check out the video at the bottom of the page to see the swimming pretest in action.