Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Practice Exam

The technique of "swim-float-swim" is particularly beneficial for swimmers as it emphasizes energy conservation over longer distances. This method allows a swimmer to intermittently swim and then float on the water's surface to rest and recover. By taking short breaks to float, swimmers can lower their heart rates, catch their breath, and reduce fatigue, enabling them to maintain endurance over extended periods of swimming.

In contrast, teaching competitive swimming often requires continuous, high-intensity effort without the rest periods that "swim-float-swim" provides. While focusing on breathing techniques is important for efficient swimming, the primary goal of this technique is more about managing energy rather than just improving breathing. Although flotation devices may aid in keeping a swimmer buoyant, the "swim-float-swim" technique itself is based on the swimmer's ability to float without such aids, showcasing the importance of natural buoyancy and energy management.