HomeMy WebLinkAbout202.014g - Water Rescue Team (WRT) Swim Test
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
202.014g WATER RESCUE TEAM (WRT) SWIM TEST
EFFECTIVE: DECEMBER 2014
Current Revision Date: 7/1/19 Next Revision Date: 7/1/22
Author’s Name/Rank: Sean Johnson, Fire Captain Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Sherrie L. Badertscher
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
Water Rescue Team (WRT) swim testing must be successfully completed by all
qualified Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) members every year. New
candidates must pass the tests as part of the entry process. WRT Team members
must perform in unusual water rescue environments. While swiftwater training
prepares members for operation in moving water environments and on the surface
of the water, it does not prepare members for tasks such as searching partially-
submerged automobiles. Since many of the annual calls faced by the WRT Team
are vehicles in canal and river incidents, all members must meet a standard level of
swimming capability. The annual swim test is referenced to the International
Association of Dive Rescue Specialists.
APPLICATION
EVALUATION PARAMETERS
There are five (5) exercises that evaluate stamina and comfort in the water, each
rated by points. The candidate must successfully complete all stations and score a
minimum of 12 points to pass the test. The test should be completed with not more
than 15 minutes between exercises. A zero score on any exercise results in a whole
test failure.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
EXERCISE 1: 500 YARD SWIM
The diver must swim 500 yards without stopping using a forward stroke and without
using any swim aids such as a dive mask, fins, snorkel, or flotation device. Stopping
or standing up in the shallow end of the pool at any point during this exercise will
constitute a failure of this evaluation station.
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Time to Complete Points Awarded
Under 10 minutes 5
10-13 minutes 4
13-16 minutes 3
16-19 minutes 2
More than 19 minutes 1
Stopped or incomplete 0
EXERCISE 2: 15 MINUTE TREAD
Using no swim aids and wearing only a swimsuit the diver will stay afloat by treading
water; drown proofing, bobbing or floating for 15 minutes with hands only out of the
water for the last 2 minutes.
Performance Criteria Points Awarded
Performed satisfactorily 5
Stayed afloat, hands not out of water for 2 3
Used side or bottom for support at any time 1
Used side or bottom for support twice 0
EXERCISE 3: 800 YARD SNORKEL SWIM
Using a dive mask, fins, snorkel, and a swimsuit (no BCD or other flotation aid) and
swimming the entire time with the face in the water, the diver must swim nonstop for
800 yards. The diver must not use arms to swim at any time.
Performance Criteria Points Awarded
Under 15 minutes 5
15-17 minutes 4
17-19 minutes 3
19-21 minutes 2
More than 21 minutes 1
Stopped at any time 0
EXERCISE 4: 100 YARD INERT RESCUE TOW
The swimmer must push or tow an inert victim wearing appropriate PPE on the
surface 100 yards nonstop and without assistance.
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Performance Criteria Points Awarded
Under 2 minutes 5
2-3 minutes 4
3-4 minutes 3
4-5 minutes 2
More than 5 minutes 1
Stopped at any time 0
EXERCISE 5: FREE DIVE TO A DEPTH OF NINE FEET AND RETRIEVE AN
OBJECT
Performance Criteria Points Awarded
Performed satisfactorily Pass
Stopped or incomplete 0
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists
Annual Watermanship Test
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