cross Uscg How should i train or prepare to become a USCG Rescue Swimmer?
I plan to become a USCG rescue swimmer after highschool(junior at this moment).Im just wondering how i should start training or preparing now for later when the time comes.To tell you about my self:Im pretty stong (Ex: bench 240 and only weight 150). Im displined i get a's and b's in school. I run a lot, i did cross country. I swim a lot too and i started swimming in my people which is getting pretty cold now .. to get used to cold water.Ive taken advanced technique swimming at a local college and im a good swimmer. I also plan to be a firefighter after the coast gaurd. And im pretty persistent at what i want. This year i also am doing spring football and next year swimming at school. So any ideas what i should start doing? Thanks.
You watched "The Guardian," huh? Good movie.
You ever hear of the Airforce PJ's? They do the exact same kind of rescue op's. Might want to consider them, as well.
I don't know about the technical operations of rescue swimming, but as far as training to get into and stay in shape for rescue swimming, drop the heavy weights, kid. Being a muscle head, bodybuilding, heavy weight training is not where it's at. Maybe your example is that you're wiry and just happen to be strong, that's good, but if not and you're strength training to the max, stop.
These guys are about as physically fit as you can get, and they both swim MILES, not yards, meters, etc: miles.
Stew Smith's site gives a really great example of an awesome swim workout.
Another good swim workout is pyramids of, for example: 100 yards, 150, 200, 250, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100. Rest for 10 to 30 seconds between intervals. Do your distance swim one day a week opposite this and your runs. Begin your runs modestly, unless you can already run five miles; then start yourself out going six, then eight, then ten.
This will help get you in the shape you need to be in to get into the school, I'm sure. Throw the bike into the mix if you want, it surely won't hurt. Of the three, running, biking, swimming, each helps build your body and stamina and avoid injury from repetitive motion (shin splints, joint problems, etc from constant running and so forth). Add your weight training in during an AM or PM session two to three days a week, depending on your training schedule, and for God's sake, eat right. Your nutritional intake is very important. You should be eating AT LEAST three times a day but four with two snacks is optimal. Chicken, fish, nuts, yogurt, VERY high in comlpex carbohydrates to fuel your system. Keep yourself well hydrated.
And check with your doctor before attemtping any of this. A physical would be great. I take absolutely no responsiblity for you. Get checked out by your doc to make sure you're healthy enough to do this. I'm only giving a suggestion to help you out.
Good luck. Shoot me an email if I can help you out any further.
