Do you have to know how to swim to join the Navy?

Question

If you have a fear of water will they still let you in?

Answer 1

You will get over it. Talk to your recruiter and he should help you with the basics.

You dont have to be an olympic swimmer. You just need to be able to stay afloat for a few minutes.

You will not be dumped in an ocean, it will be in a pool with lifeguards around you, theres nothing to worry about.

Answer 2

You don't have to know how to swim, but it would be wise.  

Check this site out, and it will give you a bit more information concerning boot camp:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navy/l/bl...

Answer 3

don't think it a requirement but you will soon get over it, though once most sailors in the navy couldn't swim  

Answer 4

They will teach you how to float while in boot. However, if you have a fear of water, I suggest you go get that fixed before signing up or join another branch. The instructors in boot will not want to listen or care about your fear of water.

Answer 5

Yes and no.  

Answer 6

when i was in the navy,no but they make you swim so you will learn! if you want to join go for it, you also can join the ,british navy, new zealands navy, canada's navy or south africa's navy,and get dual citizenship,if your young go for it you will travel all over the world and make a lot of friends!

Answer 7

I just graduated boot july 13th and i never swam a day in my life before going to boot camp and i still managed to pass on the first day after initial swimming instruction. About 1st or 2nd week they'll take you to the pool and seperate between the people who can and can't swim or have doubts. you go in a 4 ft deep kiddy pool and they'll teach you. then you practice again in the big pool in about 5 ft water or so to get you used to the deep water. And a lot of people have to be taught so don't worry about standing out and being embarassed or anything.

And if you don't pass the first day they'll continue to work with you twice a day 5 days a week. Some people it took a couple weeks but everyone in my division ended up passing.

Don't worry, just have faith in yourself and you'll be able to handle it. They'll teach you everything you need to know in order to pass it.

Answer 8

No. You have to swim either 50 or 100 meters without grabbing onto the ledge. You can overcome your fear of water though. Start hanging out at ports and take a swim class. Preferably before you enlist.

Answer 9

Can a bird fly without wings?

Answer 10

yeah they have 500 jobs in the navy besides swimming

Answer 11

I would advise a different career path.  Something on land.

Answer 12

1 Afraid of water = Get over it fast

2 can't swim = learn now

3 or join another branch

Vet-USAF