The Canadian Forces water safety program has been designed to provide military personnel with the skills required to function effectively and safely in, on, under or around the water. All members must pass the basic military swim standard.

1. Water safety knowledge: consists of review of first aid, CPR and choking emergency procedures and includes review of the procedures for safety and control of swimming while members are on military operations:
   

   • Swimming areas available are examined for sanitary considerations and hazardous conditions and the most suitable selected and defined;

   • All personnel are briefed on water safety procedures and special dangers of the area;

   • Surveillance patrols are established using qualified personnel where practicable;

   • Reaching, throwing and towing aids are available or improvised;

   • A boat patrol is established for deep-water swimming;

   • The buddy system is used with checks at not less than 15-minute intervals; and

   • An emergency communication system and transportation shall be available on-site.

    

2. "Abandon ship" emergencies: Simulate ship evacuation

• dressed in trouser/shirt/ wear a life jacket

• jump in feet first off 1 meter board holding life jacket safely and securely

• surface

• swim any style of propulsion (50 meters) no time limit

   3.     Rudimentary swimming skills: demonstrate ability to survive during an aquatic emergency

• dressed in trousres and shirt

• forward roll into min. 2 meters of water

• surface

• stay afloat 2 minutes using treading/drown proofing/motionless float/swimming in place

• swim 20 meters any style

Click here for Interim CF Aquatic and Water Safety Policy (DIN site)