Navy seal SWIM TRAINING

There’s many different facets of swimming at BUDS. Here are 8 categories you need to become proficient at before you head out to Coronado.

1. Treading

Navy SEALs must master treading water for long periods, often while wearing heavy gear. With and without fins. Training often involves hands-out-of-the-water drills and added weight.

2. Drown Proofing

This survival skill teaches SEALs how to remain calm and move efficiently while their hands and feet are tied. Techniques include bobbing, floating, and traveling.

3. combat side stroke without fins

The Combat Side Stroke (CSS) is the preferred swimming technique. It combines elements of the sidestroke, freestyle, and breaststroke, making it an efficient, low-profile stroke that is stealthy.

4. Combat side stroke with Fins

Adding fins to the CSS increases speed and endurance while reducing effort over long distances. SEAL candidates train extensively with fins - especially in open water.

5. Open Water Swimming

SEALs train in rough ocean conditions, strong currents, and low visibility. They focus on navigation and teamwork to ensure mission success. If the first time you’ve ever been in open water is at BUDS, that’s bad news for you.

6. Lifesaving

SEALs learn how to rescue and transport injured teammates in the water. Techniques include buddy towing using the cross chest carry.

7. Breath Holding

Training includes static apnea (holding breath while stationary) and dynamic apnea (holding breath while moving). SEALs develop CO2 tolerance and mental resilience to operate in underwater missions. You must stay calm. Also, proper pullout technique is necessary to maximize your efficiency under the water.

8. Knots

Navy SEALs must tie and untie knots underwater, often in complete darkness. This skill is crucial for demolition, setting up underwater tools, and survival scenarios where securing equipment is essential. The 5 main knots are: bowline, right angle, square, clove hitch, and Beckett’s bend.

Now, let’s go more in depth on each of these swimming subjects…