Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A Marine recruit jumps off a tower during water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, April 2025.

New guidance, effective Oct. 1, 2026, will require U.S. Marines to meet tougher swimming qualification standards. “The changes are designed to be progressive, requiring an increase in both swimming ...

A new five-level qualification program will replace the current three-tier system of basic, intermediate and advanced swim qualifications.