The U.S. Coast Guards Rescue Swimmers are considered to be one of the top rescue specialist units in the world. They are the ones jumping from helicopters into the open ocean to save human lives in any weather conditions. The other name for this brave group of men and women is "aviation survival technicians".

Established in: 1984

Motto: "So Others May Live"

To join, one must have gone through Coast Guard Basic Training or can come through the Type II Program. One must be a US Citizen or Resident Alien and between 17 and 31 years old. The candidates must have a high school diploma and pass the ASVAB test. Rescue Swimmer school has an attrition rate of about 80%. Only 1 in 5 who start AST school will make it. Candidates must qualify for a secret security clearance.

Rescue Swimmers Pre-Selection

Before making it to Selection, one must spend 1 week in preparatory school, where the staff usually evaluates aspiring candidates. This gives the candidates an insight into whether they are considered a good fit or not. They also can request if fit enough, to go through the ANNEX-Program, where they will be mentored and prepared for A-School by Rescue Swimmers. The physical fitness test or physical screening differs from the physical fitness assessment the candidates have to conduct once they are in the unit, which is a lot harder. One must pass all the physical requirements listed but should consider pushing for way higher numbers to stay competitive and increase chances to make it through A-School. The time limit for pushups and sit-ups is 2 minutes. There is also a 2 min break in between those events. Only the front crawl is allowed for the swim.

USCG Rescue Swimmers Selection

Rescue Swimmers Selection happens in A-School. The candidates will spend the next 6 months in a classroom setting, on the grinder, and in the water. Some days of the week consists of 2 hours of calisthenics out of the water, and 4 hours of water-related conditioning. The aspiring Rescue Swimmers will learn how to successfully survive at sea or land for at least 24 hours. Candidates will usually have 3 chances to get through any evolution. Lots of time will be spent with overcoming fear under the water. Candidates will have to learn to fight off survivors who are panicking and still manage to keep them safe and bring them out of the waters. Candidates will perform buddy brick exercises, whereas a team of 2, they have to push a brick underwater together. They cannot come up to surface together, but only one at a time. Both can only push the brick together. Training and evolution get harder over time. The candidates are required to increase their breath-hold and underwater swim distance over time. Candidates will usually remain extreme sore throughout the first couple of weeks. The candidates will also face a 7 week EMT Course.

Attributes of a Rescue Swimmer:

The US Coast Guard looks for candidates who want to become Rescue Swimmers. They want those candidates who showcase a high degree of professionalism, are completely honest and respectful and who come with the right work ethic and attitude. Another factor is also height and weight.

Facts and more Information

In contrast to other special force units in the military, even around the world, there are 3 or more women who made it into the ranks of the unit.