Course Prerequisites (for both full and recertification courses)

Participants must be able to pass a prerequisite skills evaluation in order to participate. Failure to complete the prerequisites will prohibit you from completing the rest of the course. Skills that must be demonstrated successfully include:

1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. You should place your hands on top of your head or under your armpits.
3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds
   1. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim googles are NOT allowed
   2. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 8 feet to retrieve a 10-pound brick
   3. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. You should NOT swim the distance under water
   4. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps