At Portage Fire Department, we take pride in our commitment to safeguarding our community, which includes being fully prepared to respond to emergencies in any environment, including Lake Michigan. As a part of our comprehensive recruitment process, we require all aspiring firefighters to undergo a crucial swim test, ensuring they possess the necessary skills to handle water-related incidents effectively.
The Importance of Water Rescue Proficiency: Portage, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, presents unique challenges that demand our firefighters to be proficient in water rescue operations. Whether it’s water accidents, drowning incidents, or hazardous conditions on the lake, our first responders must be fully capable of executing safe and successful rescue missions.
The Swim Test: Our swim test is designed to assess candidates’ swimming ability and comfort in the water. The test is conducted under the guidance of our experienced water rescue divers, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
- Unable to successfully complete the required laps.
- Candidate stops swimming by standing up, grabbing side, lane markers or another swimmer.
- The evaluator may stop the exercise if they feel that the candidate is in danger or is unable to
swim.
The swim test consists of two (2) separate skill evaluations. The skills will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
The test will be performed in a 25 yard or meter pool with a depth of at least 7 feet. Any skill that is not
performed as required shall disqualify the candidate from further testing. The skills to be tested are as
follows:
- Open water swim
- Treading water
Open Water Swim:
The candidate shall make their way to the shallow or starting end of the pool. Candidates shall enter the
pool by way of the steps or by lowering themselves into the water. The candidate shall swim two (2)
lengths of the pool, any stroke, without stopping, standing up or holding onto the side or lane markers.
Fail Criteria:
Treading water:
The candidate shall make their way to the area designated for treading water. This area should be at least 7-
feet deep. The candidates shall lower themselves into the water or enter by the stairs. The candidates shall
hold onto the pool edge until the evaluator advises them that the test has begun. The candidate is to tread
water while staying in place and vertical for 5 minutes. Candidates shall not swim around, hold onto the
side, hold onto lane markers or another candidate. Upon completion of the 5 minutes the candidate shall
make their way to the side and the test is complete.
Fail Criteria:
- The candidate grabs the side of the pool, lane markers or another candidate.
- The candidate fails to stay within their treading area
- The evaluator may stop the exercise if they feel that the candidate is in danger or is unable to
swim.