What is an average time for a 500meter surface swim for beginners that have never trained?

Question

What is an average time for a 500meter surface swim for beginners that have never trained?

Answer 1

For a beginner who is a swimmer (swims often, lap swimming not dicking around in a pool) I'd say a good time is anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes. The 500 is like swimmings version of the mile and the times are comparable/ similar.

For a good swimmer a good time is from 5:30 to 6:30

For a REALLY good swimmer an excellent race time is anything below 5:30, but we're talking hardcore athletes there.

So yeah if you've never swam it, pace yourself around 8 minutes. If its a race dont expect to be even close to winning, but you'll finish if that's what you're looking for