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Water Safety: Swim test

Swimming ability is strongly encouraged for class participation. Rowing is a water sport and it's important that we know your level of confidence as a swimmer in case of an emergency. To be able to row without a personal flotation device (PFD) you will be required to successfully complete a swim test. The Swim Test is: swim 50 yards, tread water for 10 minutes, and then put on a life jacket.

Please bring your completed Swim Test Form, SCUBA certification or Life Guard certification to your first class.

What if I am not a strong swimmer?

  • You may take the swim test wearing a life jacket if necessary. However, if you take the swim test while wearing a life jacket, you must then wear your own life jacket at all times while in a boat. We recommend an automatic inflatable life jacket (available online or at shops such as Rutabaga and West Marine).
  • If you are unable to pass the swim test and choose not to wear a PFD, you can drop the class and will be able to get a refund up to one week before class starts. If you think you might not be able to pass the swim test requirement, we suggest that you attempt to take the test before registering for a class.

How do I complete the swim test? 

  • You may complete the swim test at any pool that is accessible to you. Bring rowing clothes that you can swim in and our Swim Test Form for the pool lifeguard to sign when you complete the test. 

Locations for Swim test

If you are member of a health club, the Y, or can use a UW pool , you may be able to get your swim test proctored by a certified lifeguard relatively easily. Alternatively, try places2swim.com as a resource for finding a pool to use for the test.

Many pools do not teach water safety so they don't have the USCG Type 2 life jackets required for our pfd skill. Please contact our LTR coordinator to arrange to get a loaner life jacket from the boathouse ahead of time.

  • Madison School/Community Recreation offers open & lap swim times at East High School and West High School pools. In the past they have allowed you to test for free! (but if you want to stay and swim more, then you'll need to buy a punch card) Click here for more information. 
  • Verona pool please see below for detailed instructions 
  • Oregon pool
  • Monona Grove High School pool is not available for proctoring the swim test.

Please note: as of February 2025 we have been able to check with the following outdoor pools to find out if they're willing or adequately staffed to offer tests. Please call the pool before you go to check.

  • Middleton outdoor pool -- when it opens.
  • Goodman Pool in Madison. Call ahead to make sure a supervisor can come out and observe the test, so guards on duty can continue to watch everyone else. Please call 608-264-9292 and ask for the Lifeguard Supervisor.
  • Monona Community Pool
Verona Pool

    In 2023 one of our members went to the Verona pool for a swim test and wrote up these instructions for us. Thank you, Nancy!

    1. The Verona Area Aquatic Center can administer the swim test.  
    2. You must sign up in advance and pay for an open swim session on line.  There are limited spots, so plan in advance since spots fill up.  
    3. Start here
    4. Create an account/login. 
    5. Click "programs", "open swim".   Choose your time for open swim and click register now.  Unless you are a Verona resident, you may not choose times that say "VASD res.only". 
    6. Pay for your program.  My session was $4.00 plus service charge.
    7. Go to Verona Aquatic Center at the Verona HS, 234 Wildcat way.  Do NOT go to the Verona Natatorium, even if your registration says Verona Natatorium.
    8. Let the person at the desk know you are there for the swim test. I had Lifeguard Lindsay who knew about MRC and was great. Shower before entering pool. Hand the test sheet to the lifeguard so they know what you need to do.
    9. Take to your session:
    •  PFD - they do not have loaners.  You can borrow an orange one from the Boathouse if you do not have one. (please contact learntorow@mendotarowingclub.com for help with this)
    •  Swim test form
    •  rowing shorts and t-shirt
    •  towel
    • dry clothes, flip flops

    FAQ

    Q: What should I wear for the swim test?

    A: It's best to wear what you'll be rowing in. You want snug shorts or pants and a t-shirt. You don't need to wear shoes.

    Q: What if I'm already certified as a SCUBA diver or life guard?

    A: Have you earned your certification within the last five years? If so, please send a picture or scan of your certification to our LTR coordinator. If your certification is more than five years old, please complete a swim test (or get re-certified).

    Q: What pool can I use?

    A: You may use any pool you have access to, as long as it has a lifeguard. Please see Locations for Swim Test for more detailed pool information.

    Q: What about testing in the lake?

    It's possible but you may find it easier just to go to a pool. We will accept the lifeguard's sign-off from the Memorial Union pier. If we have a coach with a current Lifeguard credential (staffing is currently underway for 2025) we may be able to test you at the boathouse. Please be advised, the depth of the lake near the boathouse is very shallow and we have to go out some distance from shore to test your ability to tread water. 

    Q: What if the pool doesn't have life jackets?

    Many don't. We can lend you one for the swim test. Please contact our LTR coordinator to arrange this.

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    Mailing Address:
    PO Box 646
    Madison, WI 53701

    Boathouse Address:
    622 E Gorham St
    Madison, WI

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