beginning swimmer-- 500 meter swim

Question
I was recently hired by a camp to be a counselor. After they hired me, they informed me that each counselor was going to take a lifeguarding test and that each of us should pass. I CAN swim, but not the required 500 meters. In fact, I can swim only about 50 meters before becoming very tired. I have six weeks until the test, but only about 3 days each week to practice. Is this enough time or should I save my time and money? If it is enough time, what should I be doing to train?

Answer
Please do not get discouraged by my answer.

First off was this in your job description? My concern is that they may use you as a lifeguard and without the ability to swim yourself 500 meters I would be concerned as a previous Waterfront Head at a summer camp that it would be a liability to have you on my waterfront. Will you have duties as a lifeguard? Have you been honest with your employer? Perhaps they have an alternate position where you can concentrate as a Land Counselor or General Counselor????

You can practice to be able to swim the 500 meters but you will also have to know how to tread water, eventually make rescues and support someone besides yourself etc. Perhaps practicing and maybe talking lessons for a year would better prepare you for this position.  

I wish you luck in the choice that you make but you do need to be honest with your employer. If you are hesitate as to whether you will pass the lifeguard test it is probably not worth your money or the money of your employer going towards this cause.

I wish I had a better answer for you.