Becoming a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is an admirable and rewarding career that demands exceptional physical fitness, mental toughness, and dedication to rigorous training.
- Emergency rescues at sea
- Floods on land
- Cliff-side rescues
Rescue swimmers must be prepared for the reality that many trainees do not complete the program. The physical and mental demands are tough, with only a few making it through to graduation.
Dedicating yourself to rigorous training and maintaining peak physical fitness, you can achieve the elite status of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and play a crucial role in saving lives.
Training and Skills Required
To become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, you must undergo rigorous training at the Aviation Technical Training Center.
The training includes comprehensive physical conditioning, swimming tests, and survival techniques.
The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer School, located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is where you will undergo this intensive training program.
- Grueling physical fitness routines
- Extreme water drills
You will be trained in medical first aid, helicopter deployment, and various rescue procedures.
The role of a rescue swimmer also requires National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification to ensure you’re fully equipped to handle various rescue scenarios.
A strong background in swimming and physical fitness is required. Excellent problem-solving skills, mental resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure are crucial attributes.
The training and qualifications you achieve will prepare you to handle diverse and demanding rescue scenarios with confidence and competence.
Age and Education
To qualify for the Coast Guard, applicants must meet specific age and educational requirements, ensuring they possess the foundational skills and maturity for training and service.
- Age Limit for Coast Guard:
- Applicants must be between 17 and 42 years old.
- If you are 17, parental consent is required before you can proceed with recruitment.
- Educational Requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED is mandatory, proving the basic educational background needed for Coast Guard training.
- Higher education is not required but may serve as an advantage for career advancement within the Coast Guard.
- Those with college credits or degrees may find additional opportunities for promotion and specialized training.
- Documentation Needs:
- Proof of age and educational credentials must be presented during the recruitment process.
- These documents are critical for verifying that all applicants meet the eligibility requirements.
- Accurate records ensure a smooth recruitment process and validate the applicantโs qualifications.
Meeting these qualifications ensures that applicants are well-prepared to embark on a fulfilling career with the Coast Guard, with clear paths for those seeking further advancement.
How about Female Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers?
Female Coast Guard rescue swimmers represent a growing and vital component of the elite rescue teams in the United States Coast Guard. We know that, back in 2016, there were only three of them, after the retirement of Sara Faulkner, a well-known swimmer.
These women undergo the same training as their male counterparts, meeting demanding physical, psychological, and technical standards to prepare for high-stakes rescue missions.
Female rescue swimmers face challenges both within their training and operational environments. Their presence reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and equal performance expectations across all Coast Guard roles, encouraging:
- Resilience
- Skill
- Determination
Training as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer requires a high level of commitment and resilience. The intense sixteen-week training program includes:
- Physical conditioning
- Emergency medical training
- Helicopter-based rescue techniques
Women who successfully become rescue swimmers often bring a unique blend of strength and tenacity to the role, particularly as they navigate the added challenges of representation within the field.
Female rescue swimmers perform the same essential duties in maritime rescue and disaster response, risking their lives in unpredictable, often dangerous conditions to save others.
Interesting Fact: The first female Coast Guard swimmer is Kelly Larson who enlisted back in August 1984.
Physical Fitness Standards
Physical fitness is a cornerstone of the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer program.
For Coast Guard recruits, meeting specific physical fitness benchmarks is crucial for advancing in their training. You must pass a rigorous monthly physical training test.
It includes:
| Exercises | Pass | Good | Great | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Yard Swim | -12:00 min | -11:00 min | -10:00 min | -08:00 min |
| Survivor Tow | 200 yards without interruption | |||
| Underwater Swim | 4 x 25 yards with 90 seconds rest | |||
| Pushups | + 50 Reps | + 60 Reps | + 70 Reps | + 80 Reps |
| Sit-Ups | + 60 Reps | + 70 Reps | + 80 Reps | + 90 Reps |
| Pullups | + 5 Reps | + 9 Reps | + 12 Reps | + 15 Reps |
| ChinUps | + 5 Reps | + 9 Reps | + 12 Reps | + 15 Reps |
| 1.5 Mile Run | -12:00 min | -11:00 min | -10:00 min | -09:00 min |
Training emphasizes endurance, strength, and swimming capabilities. Regular fitness evaluations ensure you maintain high physical standards throughout your service.
Medical and Background Checks
Meeting the Coast Guardโs medical and background check requirements is essential to ensuring that candidates are physically capable and have a reliable, trustworthy character.
Hereโs a look at these requirements:
- All applicants must undergo a comprehensive medical examination to verify they are in peak health.
- Candidates must have good eyesight, as conditions like color blindness can impair performance, especially in operational roles where color identification is critical.
- Adequate hearing is necessary to follow commands and communicate effectively in loud, dynamic environments. Hearing issues may result in disqualification.
Other serious medical conditions that may impact strength, stamina, or overall functionality could also be grounds for ineligibility.
- A background investigation is performed to verify each applicantโs character and trustworthiness. It includes checking for any criminal history or past behaviors that could indicate a lack of reliability.
- Applicants with a clean record are more likely to pass the background check, while any history of criminal activity, substance abuse, or legal violations may be grounds for disqualification.
Application Submission
To start, you must apply to the United States Coast Guard. It can be done online through their official website or by visiting a recruitment center.
Beginning the journey to join the Coast Guard involves a structured application process designed to assess and verify the eligibility of all potential recruits.
- Online Application: You can start by applying through the official Coast Guard website, where youโll find forms, guidelines, and resources to assist you.
- In-Person Application: You can visit a Coast Guard recruitment center, where a recruiter can guide you through each stage of the process and answer any questions you might have.
Necessary Documentation:
- Personal Identification: Prepare personal identification documents, such as a driverโs license, passport, or birth certificate, as these are necessary for identity verification.
- Background Check: All applicants must pass a background check to confirm a history that aligns with Coast Guard standards for integrity and reliability.
- Medical Examination: You will need to undergo a thorough medical examination to determine your fitness level and confirm that you meet the physical standards required by the Coast Guard.
Assessment Tests
Once your application is accepted, you will undergo a series of assessment tests. These include physical fitness tests designed to measure your endurance and strength.
- 12-minute crawl swim
- 25-yard underwater swim
- 200-yard buddy tow
In addition to physical tests, there are also written exams that assess your cognitive abilities and knowledge. These may cover topics ranging from basic arithmetic to problem-solving and language skills.
Perform well in these tests to advance in the selection process and move closer to beginning your training at the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer School.
Mission and Responsibilities
As a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, your role is both challenging and rewarding, placing you at the forefront of life-saving operations in some of the most perilous conditions.
Your primary mission centers around executing search and rescue (SAR) operations during maritime emergencies, but your responsibilities extend far beyond the surface.
- Maritime Rescues: At the core of your duties is the commitment to saving lives at sea.
- Helicopter Deployments: Rescue Swimmers are frequently deployed from helicopters, making it essential to perform precision jumps into open water and navigate swiftly to rescue drowning individuals or assist those injured during maritime incidents.
- Medical Assistance and Evacuations: Beyond physical rescues, you will also provide essential first aid or conduct emergency medical evacuations.
Assistance in Natural Disasters:
- Disaster Relief Operations: In times of natural disasters, such as:
- Hurricanes
- Floods
- Earthquakes
- Interagency Collaboration: Rescue Swimmers frequently assist other agencies, such as FEMA or the National Guard, in high-stakes missions, providing specialized skills and support wherever lives are at risk.
Challenges and Rewards
The position comes with intense physical and psychological challenges. You will face the elements, including rough seas, high winds, and extreme weather while maintaining a high level of operational readiness.
Not every mission results in a successful rescue, which can be emotionally taxing.
Despite these hardships, the role’s rewards are immense. The satisfaction of saving lives, the camaraderie among team members, and receiving respect and recognition make it a uniquely fulfilling occupation.
The skills and experiences gained are invaluable, extending beyond your professional life.
Boot Camp at Cape May
Your journey starts at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey.
- Physical conditioning
- Military customs
- Team-building
You’ll complete demanding physical exercises and a navy boot camp swim test. You will learn basic survival skills and water rescue techniques.
The program aims to build stamina, discipline, and resilience, essential traits for a rescue swimmer.
On-the-Job Training
Upon graduating from Rescue Swimmer School, you begin on-the-job training at your assigned Coast Guard Air Station. Here, seasoned rescue swimmers mentor you.
You will participate in real-world rescue missions and further refine your skills.
The hands-on experience is critical for mastering the practical aspects of the job. Youโll also train in various environmental conditions to ensure you are ready for any situation you might face.
Advanced Training and Certifications
Of course, there are numerous possibilities for advanced training and additional certifications.
Aviation Survival Technician Course
The Aviation Survival Technician (AST) course is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare you for the unique challenges of rescue operations.
- Advanced swimming techniques
- Emergency medical procedures
- Rescue operations
The curriculum also emphasizes physical fitness, requiring you to undergo rigorous physical training to ensure you are in top condition.
Helicopter Rescue Techniques
- Hoist operations
- Water extractions
- Emergency procedures
The training requires you to master the use of specialized equipment, such as rescue baskets and harnesses, and to operate in various environments, including:
- Rough seas
- High winds
You will also learn to work closely with helicopter pilots and crew members to ensure successful and safe rescue missions.
Emergency Medical Training
This training provides you with the skills needed to provide medical care in emergencies, both in the water and on land.
- CPR
- Wound care
- Emergency trauma care
Obtaining the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification is a crucial part of this training, as it validates your ability to provide critical medical assistance during rescue operations.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is a path that requires courage, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to saving lives in the most challenging of environments.
It involves rigorous physical preparation, mastering survival and rescue techniques, and developing a strong mindset to handle high-stakes situations.
The rewards are profound, not only do you become a vital asset in life-saving missions, but you also embody a spirit of service, compassion, and resilience.
For those drawn to making a real impact and thriving in high-pressure situations, a career as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer offers a purpose-driven path that is as challenging as it is fulfilling.
