How good does your swimming really have to be to be Cabin Crew?
Being able to swim is essential for being Cabin Crew, but specific requirements do differ from airline to airline.
Have a look below to find out what each airline asks for during the recruitment process.
British Airways
You must be able to swim for at least 50 metres and then tread water for three minutes. You must also be capable of assisting other people in the water.
You must be able to swim for at least 50 metres and then tread water for three minutes. You must also be capable of assisting other people in the water.
easyJet
You have to be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres and tread water for at least one minute.
You have to be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres and tread water for at least one minute.
Emirates
You must be able to swim 25 metres unaided.
You must be able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Etihad Airways
Applicants must be “confident in water and be able to swim with the aid of a flotation device.”
Applicants must be “confident in water and be able to swim with the aid of a flotation device.”
Jetstar Airways
You should have the ability to swim the distance of an Olympic sized swimming pool (50 metres) without aid or floating devices.
You should have the ability to swim the distance of an Olympic sized swimming pool (50 metres) without aid or floating devices.
KLM
Their guidelines state that you should be a competent swimmer.
Their guidelines state that you should be a competent swimmer.
Lufthansa
Good swimming skills are expected – depending on location, this roughly translates to about 8 lengths of a 22-metre pool.
Good swimming skills are expected – depending on location, this roughly translates to about 8 lengths of a 22-metre pool.
Norwegian
During training you will be expected to complete a 200 metre swim, then an 8 metre underwater swim, followed by some exercises with a life vest on. You will also need to board a life raft from the water.
During training you will be expected to complete a 200 metre swim, then an 8 metre underwater swim, followed by some exercises with a life vest on. You will also need to board a life raft from the water.
Qantas
You must be able to demonstrate that you can swim 50 metres and tread water for 3 minutes.
You must be able to demonstrate that you can swim 50 metres and tread water for 3 minutes.
Ryanair
You must have the ability to swim 25 metres unaided.
You must have the ability to swim 25 metres unaided.
TUI Airways
You should be able to swim 25 metres without any flotation devices.
You should be able to swim 25 metres without any flotation devices.
Virgin Atlantic
You must be able to swim at least 25 metres and tread water. The Virgin swimming policy recently changed – as long as you learn to swim by the time training begins, you will be considered eligible for hire.
You must be able to swim at least 25 metres and tread water. The Virgin swimming policy recently changed – as long as you learn to swim by the time training begins, you will be considered eligible for hire.
It’s worth remembering that no matter the swimming requirements, you will have to undergo some training in the water. Sometimes referred to as the ‘wet drill’, Cabin Crew trainees will have to enter a pool fully clothed, and climb into a life raft, so confidence in the water is vital. Life vests are nonetheless provided.
If it’s your dream to become Cabin Crew but you can’t swim, don’t let that become an obstacle. Find a local pool and ask if they have adult swimming lessons. It’s never too late to learn something new!
