--- title: "This is why the Navy SEAL swim challenge is not for just anyone" date: "2019-01-28" modified: "2020-10-22" authors: - name: "Tim Kirkpatrick" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/tkirkpatrick/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/this-is-why-the-navy-seal-swim-challenge-is-not-for-just-anyone/" categories: - "History" - "Navy" - "Special Operations" - "Tactical" --- # This is why the Navy SEAL swim challenge is not for just anyone ![]() Navy SEAL candidates go through some of the hardest military training in the world before earning their beloved Trident. --- Before graduating BUD/s, they must successfully pass "drown-proofing" which is a series of swim challenges that must be completed without the use of their hands or feet — which are tied together. This swim challenge is comprised of five difficult tests that not only pushes the mind but the body to its limits. Can this Buzzfeed host use both his mental and physical strength to overcome and complete this challenge? Let's find out. ### Related: [This SEAL was shot 27 times before walking himself to the medevac]() Note: This challenge was done in an eight-foot deep pool versus the nine-foot one the Navy uses during the training. ### Phase 1: Bobbing up and down 20 times for five minutes. Success! (Images via Giphy)Result: Pass ### Phase 2: Float on your back for five minutes The key here is not to panic. (Images via Giphy)Result: Fail ### Phase 3: The Dolphin swim Where endurance kicks in. (Images via Giphy)Result: Pass ### Phase 4: Front and back somersault One of the test's hardest challenges. (Images via Giphy)Result: Pass ### Phase 5: Retrieve a GoPro at the bottom of the pool He made that look easy. (Images via Giphy)Result: Pass 4 out of 5 isn't bad. ### Also Read: [7 unrealistic Navy SEAL characters in the movies]() Check out the [Buzz Feed Blue's]() below to watch this host attempt the whole Navy SEAL water challenge for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEeXZ2tESmw (YouTube, [BuzzFeedBlue]())Do you think this guy passed the Navy SEAL swim test? Comment below. ## Author Tim Kirkpatrick entered the Navy in 2007 as a Hospital Corpsman and deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines in the fall of 2010. Tim now has degrees in both Film Production and Screenwriting. tim.kirkpatrick@wearethemighty.com