The Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) 1st Brigade Search & Rescue (SAR) Team recently underwent a difficult and challenging swim qualification test to certify for water survival skills.

Last Saturday, the 1st Brigade Dive Team hosted a Pack Float test and Second Class Swim Qualification. The test was administered to members of 1st Brigade Boat Teams and Search and Rescue Teams. The test was conducted at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium in Allen, Texas.

The first test consisted of, while in full uniform, being pushed into the water while wearing a 25lb pack. The person had to remove the pack, resurface, and establish a controlled float within two minutes. Then float for five minutes, swim 25 meters, and get out of the water unassisted without the use of stairs.

The guard also conducted the Second Class Swim Qualification in uniform. Float for ten minutes, show competency with a personal floatation device (PFD), swim 25 meters while wearing the PFD, and then swim an additional 150 meters without it. The Certification is good for three years. The idea behind the training is to demonstrate water survival skills.