Swim Test Requirements

This webpage will be reviewed annually. The section below was approved by the SCRC Board of Directors for 2026.

All student athletes participating in a SCRC affiliated high school rowing program must complete the swim test annually, unless they can provide valid certification from a recognized organization of Bronze Medallion or higher. Inability to pass the swim test will result in the athlete being ineligible to row. A swim test successfully completed between September 1 and December 31 shall be considered valid up to December 31 of the following year.
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Each athlete will arrive pool-side for the swim test wearing typical spring rowing attire which includes the following tight-fitting clothing:

• socks
• long-legged pants
• long-sleeved shirt

​Each athlete shall then complete the following steps:

1. Confirm your attendance with the Swim Test Lifeguard.
2. Wearing the required clothing, take a quick shower to ensure you are completely wet.
3. When directed by the Lifeguard, sit sideways near the edge and enter the deep end of the pool by rolling sideways into the water (simulates rolling out of a rowing shell).
4. Tread water for four (4) minutes without touching the pool bottom, side walls, or other persons in the water.
5. After treading water, swim four (4) lengths of the pool (100 meters), swimming any stroke in a continuous manner, finishing in the deep end.
6. Successfully put on a personal flotation device (PFD) without assistance. The swim test is complete once the PFD is put on successfully. Confirm with the Swim Test Lifeguard that you have completed the swim test.
7. Remove the PFD and exit the pool.
8. Before leaving the area, confirm successful completion and a written record of the swim test with the Swim Test Lifeguard.

Swim Test Form