Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist (EXW) Practice Test

Which of the following is a telltale sign of swimmers/divers?

1. Swim Cap

2. Life vest

3. Towel

4. Piles of floating debris

The correct answer is: Piles of floating debris

The presence of piles of floating debris is a strong indicator of swimmers or divers in the water. When individuals are swimming or diving, particularly in areas like open water or beaches, the activity often disturbs the local environment. This disturbance can lead to the displacement of natural debris such as seaweed, broken shells, and other organic materials, creating visible piles on the surface of the water. This phenomenon occurs because swimmers and divers tend to displace or disturb the materials in their path, causing them to accumulate in certain areas. In contrast, items like swim caps, life vests, or towels can be dispersed around water environments, but they do not necessarily indicate the specific presence of active swimmers or divers. Swim caps are often worn for personal comfort or aesthetic reasons, life vests are safety equipment that may not be used by every swimmer, and towels are commonly found at any beach or pool setting unrelated to water activities. Thus, while they can be present in water-related environments, they do not provide the same direct evidence of swimmer or diver activity as the presence of floating debris does.