St Anne's Boat Club

Swim Tests

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​​SWIM TEST ESSENTIALS


If you have just been asked to do a swim test by a rowing captain and you have no idea what they were talking about, you are in the right place! This is a short guide on swim tests telling you everything you need to know. If you have any more questions reach out your captains!

General info
Every rower and cox at the University of Oxford is required to pass a swim test no matter if you have years of experience or are just starting for the first time. However, to allow people to get on the water to experience rowing, each individual is allowed 5 water sessions before it is mandatory that you pass a test. This means that if you have not passed a swim test and you have done 5 outings, it is essential that you do not sign up for another! In the event that you fail your swim test, you are not allowed on any more outings until you have passed. Once passed, swim tests remain valid for 6 years

Booking and attending a swim test 

Your captains will be getting in contact with you to choose a slot for your swim test. These are completely free of charge, however please do show up or else the club has to pay a large no show fee.
 
Location
Rosenblatt Pool at the University's Iffley Road Sports Centre
 
You must sign in at the OURCs desk opposite the main reception for the result of your test to be recorded. Please arrive on time for your slot.
 
You will need to bring with you:
  • a valid Bodcard if a current student (any photo-ID if not a current student);
  • shorts or leggings, and a t-shirt with sleeves (must be loose fitting, no vests or sleeveless tops) to wear during the test;
  • a towel, dry change of clothes and bag for the wet clothes after the test.
Note: You may wear a swimming costume underneath the clothing, white clothes tend to go semi-transparent when wet, you may not wear goggles of any kind for the test
 
At present the test consists of (wearing a t-shirt, and shorts or leggings as a minimum);
  1. Swimming 50m (any stroke excluding backstroke);
  2. Treading water for 2 minutes: when treading water you are expected to have your full head above the water and have your airways open
  3. A surface dive and swim for 5m fully submerged under water.
 
All testing is carried out by qualified personnel.
 
Good luck and enjoy your rowing journey at Anne’s.
​
Picture
St Anne's Boat Club, established 1908 | Representing the rowing community at St Anne's College, University of Oxford
Email: [email protected]
  • Home
  • Get to Know Us
    • Committee >
      • Committee 26/27
    • Crews
  • Current Students
    • Weekly emails
    • How to get to Boathouse
    • How to get to Godstow
    • Tank sessions
    • Swim Tests!
    • How to cox (novice to GB)
    • How to get to College Ergs
    • What is bumps?
    • Ultimate Guide to rowing
    • Capsize drills
  • News and Reports
    • Hilary 2026
    • Michaelmas 2025
    • Summer VIIIs 2024
    • Michaelmas Term 2023
    • Summer Eights 2023
    • Torpids 2023
    • Recap: Summer VIIIs 2022
    • Michaelmas Term 2022
    • Michaelmas Term 2018
    • Torpids 2017
    • Michaelmas Term 2016
    • Sponsored Row - 2015
    • Nephthys Regatta 2014
    • Michaelmas Term 2013
    • Nephthys Regatta 2013
    • Summer Eights 2013
    • Michaelmas Term 2012
  • Get Involved
    • Row
    • Cox
    • Come and Cheer!
  • Events
  • SABC Rowing Kit
  • History
    • Old Videos and Pictures >
      • 2020-2021
      • 2019-2020
      • 2013-2014
      • 2012-2013
      • 2011-2012
      • 2010-2011
      • 2007-2008
    • Past Committees >
      • 2013-14 Committee
      • 2020-21 Committee
      • 2021-22 Committee
      • 2022-23 Committee
      • 2023-24 Committee
    • Awards
    • The origins of the St Anne's Boathouse
  • Alumnae
    • Alumnae stash
  • Store