Our swim test is in the Willamette River where we sail. It’s preformed in the harbor along side the dock. The students jump in and swim next to the dock (about a foot or two away) while their instructor walks along side with a personal foliation device (PFD) in their hand. When they reach the ladder, about 100 feet away, they must tread water for 30 seconds. The instructor than tosses them their PFD, which they must put on in the water. Once that’s done then can climb out. Our Opti, 420, and River Adventure Camps as well as our Adult Classes all complete a swim test on the first day. The swim test in the only time we allow any students to be without a PFD when outside. The students also learn how to and right a capsized sailboat in our harbor during their first class.

Click to Enlarge