Royal Navy recruits no longer need to be swimmers before starting training

The Royal Navy has eased the rules regarding recruits' swimming ability as part of a range of measures introduced by the Senior Service to speed up recruitment. 

The Navy said recruits, including those wanting to become a Royal Marine, still need to pass a swim test in order to join but the rules have eased regarding swimming ability before signing up.

It comes after Sky News reported those looking to join the Navy would no longer need to prove they could swim, with a source cited as calling the change a "desperate" relaxing of standards.

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A Royal Navy spokesperson insisted standards were not being lowered.

"All Royal Navy and Royal Marine candidates are required to successfully pass the swim test prior to be able to pass out of Phase 1 training and level of swimming ability required has not changed," the spokesperson told Forces News.

"Recruitment and retention are absolute priorities, which is why we are introducing a range of measures to speed up recruitment.

"These changes are to reduce the delay for candidates that are eligible to join, while retaining the same level of swimming ability."

A date to implement any proposed changes has not yet been confirmed.

Any recruits identified as weak or non-swimmers will be supported during Phase 1 training by qualified swimming instructors as is the case now.