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800-Yard Swim Test

800-YARD SWIM TEST

The 800-yard-swim test measures cardio respiratory (aerobic) fitness. Administrative and support requirements for this event are listed below.

EQUIPMENT

The timer and back-up timer each require a stopwatch and appropriate safety equipment. Event scorers require a clipboard and black pen.

FACILITIES

A swimming pool at least 25 yards long and three feet deep is required.

PERSONNEL

One event supervisor, one scorer for every three Soldiers, one timer, one back-up timer, and support personnel to ensure proper control and safety. The event supervisor will not be an event scorer.

INSTRUCTIONS

The OIC, the NCOIC, or the event supervisor, must read the following before the 800-yard swim event (Figure A-7).

“THE 800-YARD SWIM MEASURES YOUR LEVEL OF AEROBIC FITNESS. YOU WILL BEGIN IN THE WATER; NO DIVING IS ALLOWED. AT THE START, YOUR BODY MUST BE IN CONTACT WITH THE WALL OF THE POOL. ON THE COMMAND ‘GO’, THE CLOCK WILL START. YOU SHOULD THEN BEGIN SWIMMING AT YOUR OWN PACE, USING ANY STROKE OR COMBINATION OF STROKES YOU WISH. YOU MUST SWIM (STATE THE NUMBER) LAPS TO COMPLETE THIS DISTANCE. YOU MUST TOUCH THE WALL OF THE POOL AT EACH END OF THE POOL AS YOU TURN. ANY TYPE OF TURN IS AUTHORIZED. YOU WILL BE SCORED ON YOUR ABILITY TO COMPLETE THE SWIM IN A TIME EQUAL TO, OR LESS THAN, THAT LISTED FOR YOUR AGE AND GENDER. WALKING ON THE BOTTOM TO RECUPERATE IS AUTHORIZED. SWIMMING GOGGLES ARE PERMITTED, BUT NO OTHER EQUIPMENT IS AUTHORIZED.”

Figure A-7. 800-yard swim test narrative

In conclusion, the OIC/NCOIC, or the event supervisors, asks:

“WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS EVENT?”

ADMINISTRATION

The OIC, the NCOIC, or the event supervisor, will read the instructions aloud and answer questions. The event supervisor will assign each Soldier to a lane and tell the Soldier to enter the water. He allows for a short acclimation and preparation period. The event supervisor must be alert to the safety of the Soldiers throughout the test.

TIMING TECHNIQUES

When the timer gives the command, “GET SET” the Soldiers position themselves to begin the event. Time begins when the timer gives the command, “GO.” The timer calls out times in minutes and seconds as Soldiers near the finish. Time is recorded by the scorer when the Soldier touches the end of the pool or crosses a predetermined line that establishes the 800-yard mark.

SCORER DUTIES

Scorers must observe the Soldiers assigned to them. They must ensure that each Soldier touches the bulkhead (wall) at every turn. The scorer records the time in the time block and circles the GO or NO GO. The 800-yard swim is entered in the alternate event block. Refer to Figure A-11 for scoring this event. If the pool length is measured in meters, the scorer can convert the exact distance to yards. To convert meters to yards, multiply the number of meters by 39.37 and divide the product by 36.

George N.
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