Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Practice Exam

The selected answer outlines six fundamental swimming strokes that are commonly taught in swimming classes. The front crawl, also known as freestyle, is a stroke where the swimmer faces down and uses an alternating arm movement along with a flutter kick.

Back crawl, which is often referred to as backstroke, involves swimming on the back using an alternating arm movement and a flutter kick, allowing the swimmer to breathe freely. The side stroke is a more traditional stroke that incorporates a scissor kick and is often used for leisure swimming or lifesaving techniques.

Elementary backstroke is a beginner-friendly stroke that has the swimmer lying on their back and using a frog kick, making it easier for those new to swimming to coordinate their movements. Breaststroke is characterized by a simultaneous arm pull and a frog kick, often considered one of the slower strokes but essential for building a solid foundation in swimming techniques. Finally, butterfly is a more advanced stroke that involves a simultaneous arm movement and a dolphin kick, which requires significant strength and coordination.

Each of these strokes has distinct techniques and benefits, making them essential components of a comprehensive swimming curriculum. This combination allows swimmers to develop a variety of skills that are transferable across different swimming activities, from competition to leisure and safety.