Water Survival Training

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DocumentInformation

TC 21

aining Circularo. 21-21

HeadquarDepartment of the Arm

Washington, D.C., 25 June 199

TC 21-21

WATER SURVIVAL

TRAINING

ISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

ABLE OF CONTENTSst of Illustrations

eface

troduction

hapter 1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Safety FactorsWater EntriesSAFE PrinciplesLifeguards and Safety EquipmentInstructorsIndividual Equipment

hapter 2 CLASSIFICATION AND EVALUATION

Classification LevelsIdentification of Nonswimmers

hapter 3 CLASS THREE - BASIC SURVIVAL SWIMMER

Exercise 1 - waterproofing the Rucksack

C 21-21 Water Survival Training

le:///C|/My Documents/Manuals/Survival Evasion/FM 21-21 Water Survival/tc21-21.htm (1 of 29) [21/02/2004 11:54:23 PM]
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Exercise 2 - Travel Stroke SequenceExercise 3 - Pool ExitExercise 4 - Treading Water/Hanging FloatExercise 5 - Travel Stroke (without Rucksack)Exercise 6 - Five-Minute Buoyancy Test (Without Rucksack)

hapter 4 CLASS TWO - INTERMEDIATE SURVIVAL SWIMMER

Exercise 1 - Rucksack ExerciseExercise 2 - Two-Rucksack ExerciseExercise 3 - Collar Tow Using SidestrokeExercise 4 - Trouser-Inflation Float

hapter 5 CLASS ONE - ADVANCED SURVIVAL SWIMMER

Exercise 1 - Two-Stroke TestExercise 2 - Underwater SwimExercise 3 - Jump/SwimExercise 4 - Treading Water/Hanging Float

ossary

eferences

uthorization

IST OF ILLUSTRATIONSgure No.

Stride Entry

waterproofing the Rucksack

Travel Stroke Sequence Pool Diagram

Full-Gear Water Walk

Hand Sculling Motion

Treading Water

Hanging Float

Rucksack Exercise

Collar Tow

Sidestroke

Trouser Leg Tie




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Trouser Inflation - Sling Method

Trouser Inflation - Splash Method

Breaststroke

a High-Level Entry

b High-Level Entry with Rifle

REFACEhis publication describes the Army's water survival training program. It establishes classification levels,scribes the basic skills required at each level, and sets standards for testing.

is designed to help company commanders, platoon leaders, and instructors determine the water survivalility level of their soldiers and train them to survive in water.

he proponent of this publication is the US Army Physical Fitness School. Send comments and

commendations on DA Form 2028 directly to the US Army Physical Fitness School, ATTN: ATSG-PF, Fortenjamin Harrison, IN 46216-5590.

nless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.

this publication, the terms "rifle" and "M16" mean M16 training aid (DVC-T7-83).

NTRODUCTIONhere are times during military training when soldiers may need to negotiate water obstacles. Leaders at all

vels should be aware of the potentially dangerous situation this presents for soldiers who fear water ornnot swim.

ach year many soldiers lose their lives through their inability to manage themselves in water. In addition,ldiers hamper water maneuvers by their lack of confidence and expertise.

is unrealistic to expect that every soldier will be a proficient swimmer. However, every soldier can betrained to participate safely in military training conducted in aquaticenvironments. Water survival training will build soldiers' confidence foroperations in and around water.

This publication presents the Army's water survival training program, which hasthree classification levels: Class Three - Basic, Class Two Intermediate, andClass One - Advanced. The main goal of the program is to train soldiers to meetthe requirements of the Class Three - Basic level. Soldiers who achievecompetency at this level should pose little threat to themselves or the unit duringmost operations in and around water.

oldiers qualified at Class Two - Intermediate level should be able to survive in water for a prolonged periodd perform tasks and negotiate obstacles while in the water. Soldiers who can perform Class One - Advancedills should be extremely proficient at water survival.




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oldiers who complete the entire program will know how to do the following actions, which are explained andustrated in this circular:

Maintain buoyancy in full gear.q

Swim 15 yards underwater.q

Swim the travel stroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke.q

Assist other swimmers in the water.q

Use personal safety and water survival techniques.q

ompany commanders and platoon leaders are responsible for knowing the water survival ability level of eachtheir soldiers. This knowledge lets them assign responsibilities and take protective measures to ensure thefety of each soldier.

vasive actions to be taken in the event of oil fires on the water's surface are in FM 55-501 .

utside agencies such as the American Red Cross can provide additional assistance and informationncerning water survival. Trainers and other soldiers should use the expertise of these agencies wheneverssible. Most military installations have local Red Cross chapters.

hapter 1

rogram Requirementsefore beginning their water survival training program, company commanders and platoon leaders shouldcome thoroughly familiar with the information in this chapter. This information will help ensure the safetysoldiers during training. It will also provide guidelines for choosing instructors and identifying individuald safety equipment needed during training.

SAFETY FACTORSfety is the first concern when training soldiers in and around water. The following factors are important:

Know the water survival ability level of each soldier.q

Conduct all water survival training in a pool, with lifeguards and appropriate safety equipment present.q

Ensure the water is at least nine feet deep at the deep end of the pool.q

Have safety and emergency action plans.q

Use the buddy system. (Pair a strong swimmer with a weaker one.)q

Ensure all water entries during training are done feet-first.q

Ensure soldiers use the water entry techniques described in this publication.q

Ensure soldiers understand the SAFE principle described in this chapter.q

WATER ENTRIESaining exercise requirements call for soldiers to enter the water off the pool deck as well as from a height of n feet. These entries into shallow water are described in the following paragraphs and in Chapter 5 .




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Step-off entry . For shallow-water entry off the deck, step off the edge into the water with the knees flexed; be prepared toabsorb the impact when hitting the bottom of the pool.

Stride entry . For deep-water entry off the deck, leap off theedge into the water with the trunk leaning forward, the headup, the legs spread in a stride position (one forward, the otherback), and the arms extended out to slap the water. (See Figure1.) This jump position keeps the head above water and allowsthe soldier to maintain visibility. (The water should be at leastfive feet deep.)

gh-level entry . Entry into water from a height of ten feet is described in Chapter 5 .

SAFE PRINCIPLEo counter the tendency to panic when unexpectedly entering water, all soldiers should know the SAFEinciple. SAFE is a quick and easy reminder of the fundamentals of survival swimming. The acronym isscribed as follows:

LIFEGUARDS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENTqualified lifeguard must be on duty at all times during water survival training. The lifeguard must have arrent American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certificate and must be certified in first aid andrdiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).




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he following safety items must be on-site while conducting water survival training:Shepherd's crook or reaching pole.q

Heaving line.q

Ring buoy.q

Backboard with tie-down straps.q

Cervical collar.q

Whistle.q

First aid kit.q

he length and width distance requirements for the exercise in this circular are based on a pool 25 yards longy 15 yards wide. For larger or smaller pools, instructors will adjust accordingly.

INSTRUCTORShe unit will provide instructors for water survival training. They will explain, demonstrate, and evaluate allills. The ideal instructor-to-soldier ratio during training and testing is one to six.

structors must be strong swimmers who are competent in all the water survival skills through Class One -dvanced Survival Swimmer. Although it is not required, instructors should hold either the American Redoss Lifeguard Training certificate or Water Safety Instructor N/M certificate.

structors will obtain M16 training aids (DVC-T7-83) for use in this training.

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENToldiers will wear full gear during training and testing unless otherwise instructed in this publication. "Fullar" means BDU, boots, LBE, helmet, flak jacket, M16 training aid, and waterproofed rucksack, which willused as a flotation device. A sleeping bag and sleeping mat will be externally attached to the rucksack.




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hapter 2

lassification and Evaluationnowing the water survival ability level of his soldiers helps the company commander determine how muchaining time must be devoted to teaching water survival techniques.

CLASSIFICATION LEVELShere are three levels in the water survival training program. They are:

Class Three - Basic Survival Swimmer.q

Class Two - Intermediate Survival Swimmer.q

Class One - Advanced Survival Swimmer.q

ost soldiers who have even marginal aquatic ability can become qualified at the Class Three - Basic leveling only two to four hours of training time. Based on factors such as fear of water and lack of fundamentalills, nonswimmers will require additional training time.

ualification at Class Two - Intermediate and Class One - Advanced levels is only necessary for units thatticipate extensive operations in and around water. Time permitting, the unit should conduct training to meetese performance standards. The techniques and methods used to train soldiers to acquire Basic, Intermediate,d Advanced Survival Swimmer skills are described in Chapters 3 , 4, and 5. Soldiers should learn andactice the skills in the order they are presented.




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IDENTIFICATION OF NONSWIMMERSefore beginning training and qualification at the Class Three - Basic level, canvas the soldiers to identifyose who say they cannot swim and/or cannot stay buoyant under their own power for two minutes. Giveese soldiers extra training.

ve the remaining group the two-minute buoyancy test to identify nonswimmers. For this publication,nswimmers are those who cannot maintain buoyancy for two minutes under their own power without

owing signs of undue fear, stress, panic, or fatigue. Do not give this test to soldiers who identify themselvesnonswimmers.

ve soldiers who do not pass the two-minute buoyancy test extra training, aided by the rucksack, to mastere Class Three - Basic requirements. Despite additional training, some soldiers will not meet thesequirements.

ave instructors present during the test both in and out of the pool to maintain safety and ensure that no oneuches the bottom.

EQUIREMENT . Two-minute buoyancy test. Wearing BDU, boots, LBE, helmet, and flak jacket, step into

e water at the shallow end of the pool, and walk toward the deep end until the shoulders are under water. At signal from the timer, begin to float or tread water for two minutes. (Rucksacks and rifles are not needed for is exercise.)

hapter 3

lass Three - Basic Survival Swimmeroldiers will complete the following six exercises to become classified at Class Three - Basic level. They willear full gear for all exercises except five and six which exclude the rucksack. The M16 is used as stated forch exercise.

Waterproofing the rucksack.1.Travel stroke sequence (includes full-gear water walk, confidence check, and travel stroke).2.Pool exit.3.Treading water/hanging float.4.Travel stroke (without rucksack).5.Five-minute buoyancy test (without rucksack).6.

he requirements and skill training for these exercises are described in the following paragraphs. Afterccessfully demonstrating these skills, the soldier is qualified as a Basic Survival Swimmer.




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INSTRUCTOR NOTES:Ensure soldiers enter the water using the water-entry techniques described in Chapter 1 .q

"Chest-deep" water varies for each soldier depending on individual height.q

EXERCISE 1 - WATERPROOFING THE RUCKSACKproperly waterproofed, all rucksacks have enough flotation potential to keep even the largest combatuipped soldier afloat. Therefore, a rucksack becomes an asset during water survival training. The rucksack waterproofed with plastic bags. (See Figure 2 .)

he following equipment is needed by each soldier for this exercise:Rucksack.q

Clothing and gear (mission-dependent).q

Two large heavy-duty plastic bags.q

Two heavy-duty rubber bands.q

Sleeping bag.q

Waterproof bag.q

Sleeping mat.q

EQUIREMENT. Waterproof and secure the rucksack as described in the skill training.

Skill Training - Waterproofing the Rucksack

o waterproof and secure the rucksack, use the following procedures:

rrange all gear neatly inside a plastic bag with the most commonly used items on top. Fold or roll clothing.ess the bag tightly to squeeze out excess air. Use a series of folds to form a watertight seal of the bag, and

ep the folds in place with a rubber band. Place the bag inside the rucksack. Close the drawstrings of thecksack as tightly as possible.

ace the sleeping bag inside a plastic bag, and press out excess air. Use a series of folds to form a watertightal of the bag, and keep the folds in place with a rubber band. Place the bag inside the waterproof bag. Tie theaterproof bag closed as tightly as possible, ensuring that the plastic bag is entirely inside. Securely attach theaterproof bag to the back of the rucksack under the closing adjustment straps.

curely attach the sleeping mat to the top of the rucksack under the closing adjustment straps.




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Figure 2 waterproofing the Rucksack

EXERCISE 2 - TRAVEL STROKE SEQUENCEhe travel stroke sequence includes the water walk, confidence check, and travel stroke. (A pool diagram foris sequence is shown at Figure 3.) Soldiers will wear full gear.




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Figure 3 Travel Stroke Sequence Pool Diagram

Step 1 - Full-Gear Water Walkith proper positioning of the M16 during the water walk, the stock can be used as a paddle. (See Figure 4.)

EQUIREMENT: Step off the edge of the pool at the shallow end with the M16 at port arms, and walkur widths of the pool progressing to chest-deep water. Use the rifle stock as a paddle .




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Figure 4 Full-gear Water Walk

Step 2 - Confidence Check

hile in chest-deep water, the soldier tries to sit on the bottom. Since this is not possible, the soldier gainsnfidence in the Buoyancy capabilities of the waterproofed rucksack.

EQUIREMENT. Attempt to sit on the bottom of the pool in chest-deep water .

Step 3 - Travel Stroke

EQUIREMENT. Travel stroke four widths of the pool in water above the head; begin in chest-deep waterd proceed to the deep end .

Skill Training - Travel Stroke

or the travel stroke, use the following procedure:

ody position . Keep the upper part of the body prone on the water with the legs dangling.

rm Stroke . Extend the hands out in front of the face. Sweep the arms slightly downward and back ninetygrees to propel the body through the water. Move the hands back to the front of the face. Repeat. Use thele as a paddle to help propel the body.

eg kick . Move the legs in a continuous bicycle-like movement. Bring the knees high and step out.

eathing . Keep the face out of the water during the stroke, and breathe rhythmically.

EXERCISE 3 - POOL EXITollowing the travel stroke sequence, soldiers will exit the pool in the deep end using the following procedure:ace the rifle on the deck. Then, unassisted and without using a ladder, climb up onto the deck, and sit for aw seconds to let the water drain off.

EQUIREMENT. Place the rifle on the deck, and exit the pool at the deep end unassisted and withouting the ladder .

Place rifle on deck.Unassisted and without use of

ladder climb onto deck.

Allow water to drain.




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EXERCISE 4 - TREADING WATER/HANGING FLOATeading water and the hanging float are very important skills for water survival. They can be used whileaiting for help to arrive and as resting positions when swimming to safety. The hanging float should not beed in cold water.

EQUIREMENT. Wearing full gear, step into the water at the shallow end of the pool, and walk to chestep water. Tread water for two and one-half minutes. Then, without a break, do the hanging float for twod one-half minutes. (The M16 is not needed for this exercise.)

Skill Training - Sculling

oth the hanging float and treading water use sculling. This is a rhythmically controlled motion of the armsd hands to manipulate the water for upward thrust and keep the body vertically afloat.

common sculling action is the figure eight. (See Figure 5.) With the fingers together and palms facingwnward, draw a figure eight with each hand, pushing the water downward and outward during the motion.

eep the arms slightly bent in front of the chest. Use a minimum of effort to avoid excessive fatigue.

Figure 5 Hand Sculling Motion

Skill Training - Treading Water

ompared with the hanging float, treading water lets the soldier maintain visibility and retain more body heat




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nce his head is out of the water. However, it requires more physical exertion. To tread water, use thellowing procedure. (Treading water is shown at Figure 6.)

ody position . Keep the body uprightth the head out of the water.

and and arm movements . Make slowulling movements underwater toaintain the vertical body position.

eg Movements . Make slow, continuous

cycle-like or scissor-kick typeovements to support the body.

Figure 6 Treading Water

Skill Training - Hanging Float

nce he masters the hanging float, the soldier will have control of himself in the water. He will realize howoyant he is with his lungs fully inflated and his body relaxed. To do the hanging float, use the followingocedure. (The hanging float is shown in figure 7.)




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esting/starting position . Inhale deeplyfully inflate the lungs. Hold theeathe, and put the face in the water. Lete arms and legs dangle. Rest in thissition a few seconds.

ecover movements . Slowly bring thems to about shoulder height, and skull.owly do a bicycle-like movement withe legs. Raise the head so the mouth isst above the water's surface, and exhale.

hale and stroke . Inhale through theouth and slowly press the armswnward. Return to the resting/startingsition.

Figure 7 Hanging Float

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: At this point in the training all soldiers who are not confident doing thepreceding skills will receive additional training in chest-deep water. Each soldier must be proficient inthe travel stroke, treading water, and the hanging float before proceeding to exercises 5 and 6.

EXERCISE 5 - TRAVEL STROKE (WITHOUT RUCKSACK)or the travel stroke when not wearing a rucksack, the following method may be used for breathing: Inhale,t the face in the water, and begin the arm stroke. Exhale two-thirds while the face is in the water. Lift thead to finish exhaling during the downward press of the arms.

EQUIREMENT. Wearing full gear except for the rucksack, with the M16 at port arms, enter the pool ate deep end using the stride entry, and travel stroke the length of the pool to the shallow end.

EXERCISE 6 - FIVE-MINUTE BUOYANCY TEST(WITHOUT RUCKSACK)

EQUIREMENT. Wearing full gear except for the rucksack, enter the pool at the deep end using the stridetry, and tread water for two and one-half minutes. Then, without a break, do the hanging float for two




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d one-half minutes. (The M16 is not needed for this exercise.)

hapter 4

lass Two - Intermediate Survival Swimmeroldiers will complete the following four exercises to become classified at Class Two - Intermediate level.hey will wear full gear unless otherwise stated and a swimsuit or PT uniform under the BDU for exercise 4.o soldier will attempt Class Two training before being fully qualified at the Class Three - Basic level.

rucksack exercise.1.two-rucksack exercise.2.Collar tow using sidestroke.3.rouser-inflation float.4.

he requirements and skill training for these exercises are described in the following paragraphs. Afterccessfully demonstrating these skills, the soldier is qualified as an Intermediate Survival Swimmer.

INSTRUCTOR NOTES:Ensure soldiers enter the water using the water-entry techniques described in Chapter 1.q

"Chest deep" water varies for each soldier depending on individual height.q

Exercises two and three require partners.q

EXERCISE I - RUCKSACK EXERCISEEQUIREMENT. Attach the helmet to the rucksack. Wearing full gear, with the M16 at port arms, entere pool at the deep end using the stride entry. Remove the waterproofed rucksack, put on the helmet, and ace the rifle across the rucksack ready to fire. Push the rucksack the length of the pool to the shallow end ing the frog or scissor kick. (This exercise is shown at Figure 8.)




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Figure 8 Rucksack Exercise

EXERCISE 2 - TWO-RUCKSACK EXERCISEEQUIREMENT: Wearing full gear, with the rifle at port arms, enter the pool at the deep end using theide entry. Remove the waterproofed rucksack, and attach the rifle to the rucksack under the closingjustment straps. Grab the partner's rucksack. Travel the length of the pool to the shallow end pushinge rucksack while towing the other.

EXERCISE 3 - COLLAR TOWING USING SIDESTROKEhe collar tow is used to help swimmers who are tired but not struggling. For instance, one soldier acts asscuer while his partner acts as victim. The soldiers then reverse roles. (Rifles are not needed for thisercise.)

EQUIREMENT: Wearing BDU, boots, helmet, LBE, and flak jacket, the partners enter the pool at theep end using the stride entry. The rescuer collar-tows the victim the length of the pool to the shallow end ing a modified sidestroke.

Skill training - Collar Tow

he rescuer grabs the victim's collar at the back of the neck and pulls him to a horizontal position on his back.e maintains his hold of the victim's collar, keeping his arm fully extended. He uses a modified sidestrokehile towing. (The collar tow is shown at Figure 9.)




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Figure 9 Collar Tow

Skill Training - Sidestroke

wim on the side that feels most natural, using a sidearm pull and scissor kick. After mastering the stroke onat side, learn to do it on the other side. The following directions are for the left side. Reverse the procedure

r swimming on the right side. (The sidestroke is shown at Figure 10.)




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art/glide position . Lie on the left sideth the left arm extended beyond thead in line with the body, with the palmwn. Extend the right arm down the

ngth of the body over the right thigh.eep the legs straight and together.

rm stroke . With the straight, pull theft arm downward until it is straightwn from the shoulder. Flex the elbowd pull into the side. At the same time,rn the palm toward the face and thrustrward to the original extended position.end the right arm at the elbow. Thruste right hand upward in front of theest: then, push it forward andwnward in front of the chin or face totch the water. Push the right handckward to its original position by the

ght thigh. (The right hand starts forwardmeet and pass the left hand at the neck face.)

issor kick . Draw up the feet with theght foot slightly forward until the kneese bent at a right angle. Straighten theght knee and thrust the right footrward, downward, and then backwarda semicircular sweeping motion. Keep

e toes pointed during the backwardweep. At the same time, straighten theft knee and thrust the left footckward, downward, and then forwarda sweeping motion resembling a kick.

eep the left foot extended throughoute stroke. Bring the legs together at thed of the stroke, and keep them in a straight line with the toes pointed during the glide.




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oordination of arms and legs . Frome start/glide position, begin the stroketh the downward pull of the left arm. Ate same time, bring the right arm forwardd draw up the knees to begin the kick.

et the thrust and pull of the right armd the kick of the legs coincide with thempletion of the pull of the left arm andthrust forward to the gliding position.

Figure 10 Sidestroke (cont.)

INSTRUCTOR NOTES :With slight modifications, soldiers can use the relatively easy sidestroke to tow floating equipment oranother person or to carry an individual weapon with the top hand out of the water.

q

The next exercise involves inflating clothing with air to create a device which will keep the soldierafloat. Since the BDU is made of cotton, it will work well for this purpose. It must be free of holes. Toretain air, the material that is above water must be kept wet.

q

EXERCISE 4 - TROUSER-INFLATION FLOAT

The amount of air that cotton BDU trousers will retain in water isenough to hold a soldier afloat providing he remains calm. Whenthe ends of the legs or drawstrings are tightly tied (as shown inFigure 11), each leg will hold a pocket of air. Trousers can be




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Figure 11 Trouser Leg Tie

inflated by using the sling or splash methods; these are described inthe following paragraphs.

REQUIREMENT: Wearing BDU, boots, swimsuit or PT uniform, and LBE, enter the pool at the deep end using the strideentry. Remove the helmet and attach it to the LBE. Remove the

boots, tie the laces together, and put the boots around the neck.Then, remove, tie, and inflate the trousers using the sling or

splash method, and float for two and one-half minutes. (The M16 is not needed for this exercise.)

Skill Training - Sling Method

Tie the trouser legs together, and button the fly. Use the thumbs andlittle fingers to hold the waistband in a circular opening on thesurface of the water behind the head. Then, kicking vigorously to




22/29

Figure 12 Trouser Inflation - Sling Method

stay afloat, sling the trousers over your head (as shown in Figure12), scooping in the air that is trapped when the open end of thetrousers (the waistband) hits the water.

Gather and hold the waistband together. Slip the heads between thetrouser legs, and place the knot behind the neck. Lie back and float.

Skill Training - Splash Method

e the trouser legs together, and buttone fly. Put the knot at the back of theck. Hold the waistband openderwater with one hand. While using




23/29

e scissor or frog kick to stay afloat,lash water and air toward the waistbandening with a downward motion of thend. Stop the stroke at the opening.ather and hold the waistband together,d float. (see figure 13.) (Forcing arrent of water and air bubbles into the

ousers straightens the pant legs. The

ater passes through leaving air trappedthe ends.)

Figure 13 Trouser Inflation - Splash Method

hapter 5

lass One - Advanced Survival Swimmeroldiers will complete the following four exercises to become classified at Class One - Advanced level. Theyll wear the BDU and boots unless otherwise stated.

Two-stroke test.1.Underwater swim.2.

Jump/swim.3.Treading water/hanging float.4.

he requirements and skill training for these exercises are described in the following paragraphs. Afterccessfully demonstrating these skills, the soldier is qualified as an Advanced Survival Swimmer.




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INSTRUCTORS NOTES:Except for exercise 2, ensure that soldiers enter the water using the water-entry techniques described inChapter 1 .

q

"Chest-deep" water varies for each soldier depending on individual height.q

EXERCISE 1 - TWO-STROKE TESThen performed correctly, the sidestroke and breaststroke enable the soldier to move through the waterickly and efficiently.

EQUIREMENT. Enter the water at the deep end using the stride entry, and swim the length of the pool d back using each of the following strokes: sidestroke and breaststroke. Rest up to five minutes betweenokes.

Skill Training - Sidestroke

See Chapter 4 for a description of this stroke.

Skill Training - Breaststroke

his is the most useful stroke for military swimming. It is efficient when swimming through debris and in fullothing and gear, and it provides good visibility. Use the following procedure. (The breaststroke is shown atgure 14.)

art/glide position . Lie prone in theater with arms extended out in front and




25/29

gs extended behind. Keep the head up.

rm stroke . Turn the palms outward, andnd the arms slightly. Sweep the arms

deward and slightly downward until thends are opposite and slightly below theoulders. Then bring the hands and arms along the chest, and thrust themrward until they are extended and readyexecute the next arm pull.

og kick . Draw the heels toward thettocks. Thrust the legs outward and




26/29

arward, then squeeze them together.he whipping/skulling action of the feetds forward propulsion.

rm and leg coordination . The strokeovement is in three counts:

Begin the arm pull. Near the finish of e pull, flex the knees, and bring the

els toward the buttocks.The arm pullunteracts the resistance created by theees.

As the arm pull is completed, thrust thends forward, kick out the legs, andueeze them together.

Glide through the water until therward momentum decreases, then begine next stroke.

eathing. It is possible to breathe at any time during this stroke. The most efficient way is to inhale duringe arm pull and exhale through the mouth and nose during the finish of the frog kick and glide.

ody position. When swimming for speed, the trunk and legs must be near the surface. However, thiseamlined position is tiring. Swimming with the trunk and legs projecting back and down at an angle of from to 35 degrees, while much slower, is easier to sustain and not as fatiguing.

EXERCISE 2 - UNDERWATER SWIMfter entering the water, drop under the surface, and push off the wall to get a start. Do arm and legovements as in the breaststroke. (The M16 is not needed for this exercise.)

EQUIREMENT. Wearing BDU and boots, enter the pool at the deep end using the stride entry, and swimderwater the width of the pool without surfacing.




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EXERCISE 3 - JUMP/SWIMater entries from a height of ten feet or more require the soldier to position his body to protect it from injury.

his high-level-entry jump position is described in the skill training in the following paragraphs.

INSTRUCTOR NOTES:Ensure that the water is at least nine feet deep at the deep end of the pool.q

Although rucksacks are not required for this exercise, soldiers can be informed that if they get into amission situation that requires entering the water from, a height of ten feet or more, they should removethe rucksack before jumping.

q

EQUIREMENT. Jump from a heightten feet using the high-level-entrymp position; stabilize, and swim orvel stroke the length of the pool to theallow end. First jump without the rifle,en with the rifle.

Skill Training - High-Level Entry

hen jumping from a height of ten feet,oss the legs at the ankles keeping theees slightly bent. When not carrying thele, put the arms across the chest whilemping and entering the water (as shownFigure 15a).

hen carrying the rifle, keep the arms

ose to the sides and the hands close toe front of the chest. Hold the rifle at portms with the sights pointed to either sides shown in Figure 15b).




28/29

EXERCISE 4 - TREADING WATER/RANGING FLOATThese skills are described in Chapter 3 .

EQUIREMENT. Enter the water at the deep end using the stride entry, and tread water for twenty

nutes. Then, without a break, do the hanging float for twenty minutes.

lossary

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

DE

PR

A

BE

/M

AFE

C

S

battle dress uniform

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Department of the Army

load-bearing equipment

new material

acronym for survival swimming fundamentals

training circular

United States of America

eferences

SOURCES USEDhese are the sources quoted or paraphrased in this publication.

M 21-20 . Physical Readiness Training. 31 January 1969, 31 October 1980.

ourth Class Swimming Instructor's Guide. West Point, New York: United States Military Academy, note.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

his document must be available to the intended users of this publication.


http://if%28confirm%28%27http//155.217.58.58/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/21-20/toc.htm%20%20/n/nThis%20file%20was%20not%20retrieved%20by%20Teleport%20Pro,%20because%20it%20is%20addressed%20on%20a%20domain%20or%20path%20outside%20the%20boundaries%20set%20for%20its%20Starting%20Address.%20%20/n/nDo%20you%20want%20to%20open%20it%20from%20the%20server?%27))window.location=%27http://155.217.58.58/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/21-20/toc.htm%27http://if%28confirm%28%27http//155.217.58.58/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/21-20/toc.htm%20%20/n/nThis%20file%20was%20not%20retrieved%20by%20Teleport%20Pro,%20because%20it%20is%20addressed%20on%20a%20domain%20or%20path%20outside%20the%20boundaries%20set%20for%20its%20Starting%20Address.%20%20/n/nDo%20you%20want%20to%20open%20it%20from%20the%20server?%27))window.location=%27http://155.217.58.58/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/21-20/toc.htm%27


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B Med 575. Swimming Pools and Bathing Facilities. June 1982.

READINGS RECOMMENDED

hese sources contain relevant supplemental information.

ilitary Publications

M 55-501 . Marine Crewman's Handbook. March 1983.

ater Survival. Norfolk, Virginia: Landing Force Training Command, Atlantic, no date.

onmilitary Publications

merican Red Cross Basic Water Safety. Washington, D.C.: The American National Red Cross, 1988.

merican Red Cross Lifeguard Training. Washington, D.C.: The American National Red Cross, 1983.

merican Red Cross Lifeguard Training Supplement. Washington, D.C.: The American National Redoss, 1988.

merican Red Cross Swimming and Aquatics Safety. Washington, D.C.: The American National Redoss, 1981.

atz, Jane, and Nancy P. Bruning. Swimming for Total Fitness. New York: Doubleday, 1981.

TC 21-2125 JUNE 1991

y Order of the Secretary of the Army:

GORDON O. SULLIVANGeneral, United States Army

Chief of Staff

fficial:

PATRICIA P. HICKERSONBrigadier General, United States Army

The Adjutant General

ISTRIBUTION:ctive Army, USAR, and ARNG: To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-11E, requirements forC 21-21, Water SurvivalTraining (Qty rqr block no. 4666).

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