Swimming Backwards without use of Arms?

Question

Im currently trying to get my Life Guard Certificate. The test consists of a 400 yard test(which I can do). A 45 second tread with 10 pounds(also i can do). And swim out 25 yards, dive 7-9 feet, retrieve the 10 pound brick, and swim back. The problem is you have to put the 10 pound brick on your chest, and back pedal(back swim) back to the start while keeping hands on the brick. My problem is that since I cant use my arms, my upper body starts to sink after about the first 10 yards. Dosnt matter how hard I kick I still sink. So is there a form or technique to use? Remember I cant use my arms while doing this, only leg motion, and im holding ten pounds. Thanks for all help.

Answer 1

yes you can i have tried it before and it really works

Answer 2

Instead of using the typical flutter kick, try moving your legs like you were doing the breast stroke - or a frog kick.

Answer 3

400 yd swim? haha who u going thru? red cross dropped down from a 500 to a 300. oh well. for the brick swim.....if you rest it on your upper chest and use the breaststroke kick it works. that's what i did when i got certified. like hold it so that the top of the brick is touching your collarbone.

Answer 4

life guard tests, ugh lol well im one now and probably will be every summer from now until im in college[next year],  well what I do is you want to do almost a bicycle kick which is hard, but at the same time you want to try not to lay down you want to keep your body flat but your back kind of arched[confusing to explain, easy to show and nearly easy to do]

good luck w/ everything though sorry that this sucked.

Answer 5

Instead of kicking my legs, I use a motion kinda like a backwards breatstroke leg motion.  It would be easier to show you than explain in words, but here goes:

Bring your legs up towards your chest

Kick them out with legs staying apart

Bring legs together and back up to your chest.

Try it - it's easier than it sounds!