Intro
Discover the salary and benefits of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, including average pay, bonuses, and allowances. Learn about the rewards and perks of this elite role, from training stipends to hazardous duty pay. Get the inside scoop on what it takes to become a Rescue Swimmer and the compensation package that comes with it.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. One of the most elite and respected positions within the Coast Guard is that of a Rescue Swimmer, also known as an Aviation Survival Technician (AST). These brave men and women are trained to jump out of helicopters into the water to rescue people in distress, often in extreme weather conditions.
The salary and benefits of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer are competitive with those of other military branches, and are based on the individual's rank and time in service. In this article, we will break down the salary and benefits of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, as well as the requirements and training process for becoming one.
Salary and Benefits of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer
The salary of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is based on the individual's rank and time in service. The Coast Guard uses a pay grade system, with higher ranks and more time in service corresponding to higher salaries. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary for a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer at different ranks:
- Seaman Recruit (E-1): $18,803 - $21,483 per year
- Seaman Apprentice (E-2): $20,340 - $24,642 per year
- Seaman (E-3): $22,259 - $28,145 per year
- Petty Officer Third Class (E-4): $24,908 - $33,863 per year
- Petty Officer Second Class (E-5): $27,684 - $40,481 per year
- Petty Officer First Class (E-6): $30,577 - $47,271 per year
- Chief Petty Officer (E-7): $34,547 - $55,163 per year
- Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8): $38,906 - $63,587 per year
- Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9): $43,552 - $72,459 per year
In addition to their base salary, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers also receive a number of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits
- Access to on-base shopping and dining facilities
- Use of base recreational facilities, such as gyms and pools
- Opportunities for education and career advancement
- Special pays, such as jump pay and dive pay, for performing hazardous duties
- Tax-free shopping on base
- Free or low-cost housing on base
Requirements for Becoming a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer
To become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, an individual must meet certain requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 28 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Being a high school graduate or equivalent
- Scoring a minimum of 40 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing a physical fitness test
- Passing a swim test
- Having a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 or higher
- Having a valid driver's license
- Being able to pass a background check
Training Process for Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers
The training process for Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers is rigorous and demanding, both physically and mentally. Here is an overview of the training process:
- Basic Training: All Coast Guard recruits attend basic training, also known as boot camp, at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey. This training lasts for 8 weeks and covers topics such as military protocol, first aid, and physical fitness.
- Aviation Survival Technician (AST) Training: After basic training, recruits who are interested in becoming Rescue Swimmers attend AST training at the Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. This training lasts for 24 weeks and covers topics such as emergency medical procedures, water survival, and helicopter operations.
- Rescue Swimmer Training: After completing AST training, recruits attend Rescue Swimmer training at the Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center. This training lasts for 4 weeks and covers topics such as helicopter rescue operations, water survival, and emergency medical procedures.
- Advanced Training: After completing Rescue Swimmer training, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers may attend advanced training courses, such as the Coast Guard's Advanced Helicopter Rescue School or the Navy's Advanced Helicopter Rescue Course.
Gallery of Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers in Action
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
+The salary of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer varies based on rank and time in service, but can range from $18,803 to $72,459 per year.
What are the requirements for becoming a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
+To become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 28, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet other physical and medical requirements.
How long does it take to become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
+The training process for Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers can last up to 24 weeks, and includes basic training, AST training, and Rescue Swimmer training.
What kind of benefits do Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers receive?
+Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers receive comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits, as well as access to on-base shopping and dining facilities, use of base recreational facilities, and opportunities for education and career advancement.
Is it difficult to become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
+Yes, becoming a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is a challenging and competitive process, requiring individuals to meet strict physical and medical requirements, and to complete rigorous training.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the salary and benefits of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, as well as the requirements and training process for becoming one. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about this exciting and rewarding career, please don't hesitate to comment or share this article.