I am joinging the navy and I cannot swim...I know you have to dive off a 10ft diving board in basic. I am so terrified of having to do this...I cannot swim and im afraid of water...If i have to do it, I will but is there any way out of the dive...cant I just run an extra mile or something????

1st of all, it's not a dive, you step off

secondly, no, you have to learn to at least survive in water. What good does being able to run an extra mile do you in the middle of the ocean?

Try to find a red-cross swim class in your area (they have adult ones as well) and learn before you go. Or, wait until you get there and RAISE YOUR HAND when they ask who doesn't know. Trust me, you won't be the only one they have to teach (oh, you have to swim 50 yards and do a prone float too). Make sure you tell them, the SEALS that run the pool get really mad if you don't tell them you need help and they have to drag your butt out of the water.

You will at least be comfortable in the water by the end, and you have to pass the 3rd class swim test to pass boot.

You will learn to face and beat your fears, by the end of training you will know how to swim, and feel comfortable in the water

You really want to make a concerted effort to learn how to swim before going to basic. It will make your life much easier. Otherwise, you will spend a lot of extra time going to NQS (non-qualified swimmers program) and possibly get ASMO'd (put back in training) if you don't get fishy real fast. Good luck!

I dont know how to swim either and I got through Navy boot.

I raised my hand, and they helped me, sort of. I failed the prone float my first time out though, the 50 yard back stroke is cake, the 10 foot step off was an "experience" that I'd like to avoid ever again if possible, but its quite easy.

I came back 2 hours later and passed the prone float, and if you cant pass it your 1st time, or your 2nd time, or your 25th time, you go back every single day monday-friday during boot camp and they make sure you pass it before you leave. We had one guy pass it 2 days before Battlestations, he was extremely happy and relieved.

Take the advice, learn how to swim before hand, it will be much less of a hassle.

Hey, if the red cross in your area isn't an option, try going or calling the nearest college. Most offer swimming lessons, they usually last about 2 weeks. The instructors are always great and they start you off really slow. Most cost a fee, but it's usually very inexpensive. HOPE THIS HELPS!!!