Lifeguard swim training?

fumfp7

I have to prove I'm fit to be a lifeguard by swimming 300 yards (12 laps, not timed), carrying a 10 lb brick while swimming on my back and treading water for 2 minutes on April 26th (a week from Tuesday). I run 3 days a week and do core training but am not so experienced in the water. I may or may not get time to test out my skills in the pool before "judgement day" comes haha. Any advice on how I can be sure to pass the test? Thanks

RollTideTri

You're not an experienced swimmer but you want to be a lifeguard? Seems an odd choice but as far as the swimming...300 yards if you're not experienced in the water could be challenging. Lots of people who are in shape from running and cycling jump in a pool to swim some laps and struggle.

Not trying to discourage you but swimming is very technique driven. Fitness won't help you much if you don't have a decent stroke. I strongly recommend getting some instruction, at least from some youtube videos, and some practice in before you test.

fumfp7

RollTideTri wrote: »

You're not an experienced swimmer but you want to be a lifeguard? Seems an odd choice but as far as the swimming...300 yards if you're not experienced in the water could be challenging. Lots of people who are in shape from running and cycling jump in a pool to swim some laps and struggle.

Not trying to discourage you but swimming is very technique driven. Fitness won't help you much if you don't have a decent stroke. I strongly recommend getting some instruction, at least from some youtube videos, and some practice in before you test.

Ok thanks for the advice!

meritage4

The best way to train for this is to swim.

Really.
Swim the 300 metres. (oops yards)
Do your lifesaving kick with the brick.

If you can do that then swim a bit further in practice so it is easy on test day.
In practice hold the brick out of the water if you can, either stationary or moving.

pomegranatecloud

Try to get into a pool at least one before hand to see where you are. If you can't get into a pool before just pace your self during the swim. Start out slow. I wouldn't worry about the brick and treading water parts of the test. They're both pretty easy. I took the test several years ago and everyone passed, but 95% of those who passed would probably drown trying to save someone based on watching them swim laps.