News
August 2nd 2013
Swimming test sucess for Swadlincotes new recruits
Last Thursday evening (25 July), the latest set of new recruits to join 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron (Sqn) Air Training Corps (ATC) visited Greenbank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote to take part in their Basic Swimming profiency tests, and under the watchful eye and support of Cadet Sargeant (Cdt Sgt) Chloe Sartain-Berry, aged 17, they all passed.
The basic swimming profiency test requires each cadet to swim at least 50 metres, 25 metres on their back and 25 metres on their front, tread water for 2 minutues and exit the water without the use of the steps.
After hearing the news that he had passed his swimming test Cadet (Cdt) Roe, aged 14, said: “ I found the test quite easy and exciting and feel very enthusiastic about receiving my certificate in the near future.”
Every cadet that passes through the training flight is required to pass their basic swimming profiency in order to complete their First Class Cadet Training syllabus and to enable them too attend more adventure training activities the Squadron and the Corps has to offer, specifically around Kayaking and Canoeing as part of the week long camps at a various military establishments including RAF Wittering and Swynnerton Army Training Camp.
During these camps, the cadets will also have the opportunity to further develop their achievements within swimming profiency tests as there are 3 levels:Basic, Intermediate and Higher. Whilst basic swimming profiency tests are performed at Squadron level, Intermediate and Higher swimming proficiencies are usually run as an activity on a camp, as there is a lot more involved – as they will see cadets “rescuing a casulty” from the deep end of the water and swimming longer distances wearing their shorts and t-shirts.
Following the very productive evening at Greenbank Leisure Centre the cadets will now eagerly wait for their certificates to be presented to them on a parade night, by Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Alyn Thompson. RAF (VRT).
1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron opens its doors four times a year to prospective new cadets, male and female aged between 13 – 17years.
For more information on joining an air cadet organisation in your area, please contact the Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Alyn Thompson at oc.1211@aircadets.org or by phone on 01283 212629 or visit the Squadron website at http://www.1211sqn.org.uk/
