AusDBF and DBNSW highly recommend all people on the water in a dragon boat are to be able to swim confidently 50m in paddling clothing (shirt, shorts, enclosed shoes as a minimum) and tread water in the same clothes for a minimum of 3 minutes without support. Clubs are to encouraged all participants to undertake a swim test on an annual basis. Once the individual has entered the water the test should be run continuously with no touching of the sides or bottom of the pool.

Any person who does not complete the swim test must wear a lifejacket or a PFD when on the water. This test is best undertaken under the supervision of a qualified swim instructor, level 3 sweep, coach or a club member who has already passed the test and holds a current first aid certificate.

Members are asked to bring a paddle as training on the side of the pool will follow the completion of the test.