Pathfit 3: Outdoor Activities (Basic Swimming) PDF

WELCOME BACK, MANDARAGATS!  PATHFIT 3: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ( BASIC SWIMMING)  PATHFIT 1: MOVEMENT COMPETENCY TRAINING COURSE OVERVIEW  CLASS RULES AND REGULATIONS RESPECT your TEACHERS and CLASSMATES at all times. Refrain from being LATE and AVOID absences. Send a FORMAL excuse l...

WELCOME BACK, MANDARAGATS!  PATHFIT 3: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ( BASIC SWIMMING)  PATHFIT 1: MOVEMENT COMPETENCY TRAINING COURSE OVERVIEW  CLASS RULES AND REGULATIONS RESPECT your TEACHERS and CLASSMATES at all times. Refrain from being LATE and AVOID absences. Send a FORMAL excuse letter signed by the DEAN, PROGRAM HEAD and the SCHOOL CLINIC. If you are late and the teacher is inside the classroom doing the lesson, STAY outside so as not to interrupt the lesson and wait for the teacher’s cue to enter the room Avoid using CELLPHONES/GADGETS inside the classroom. Be on time for every assignment or test (except for medical or other emergencies). Wear complete well-pressed uniform with shined black shoes. To those students with no uniform, PLAIN WHITE T-SHIRT, MAONG PANTS and RUBBER SHOES will do.  CRITERIA FOR GRADING: LECTURE COMPONENT Formative Asssessment - 40% Summative Assessment -30% (Other outputs) Major Exam - 30% SOLVING FOR PERIODIC GRADE LECTURE GRADE + LABORATORY GRADE LABORATORY COMPONENT 2 Formative Asssessment - 40% Summative Assessment -60% (Other outputs) OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (Duly filled out) Physical Activity Log (MyFitnessPal app) 1-week Food Log OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (Duly filled out) Physical Activity Log (MyFitnessPal app) 1-week Food Log Wear proper swimming attire Wear goggles, swimming cap, nose clip and ear plug Bring bottle of water/sports drinks Take and passed the performance skill/task assessment tests  REMINDERS Kindly join our google classroom using your IMMS email account. (Pre-Test Performance) Bring PE uniform: Clothes & Extra Clothes Jogging pants Rubber Shoes Towel and Bottle Water  THANK YOU VERY MUCH! BASIC MOVEMENT SKILLS  BASIC MOVEMENT SKILLS Basic movement skills refer to a set of fundamental motor skills that form the foundation for various physical activities and sports. These skills are typically developed during childhood and serve as building blocks for more complex movements and activities later in life. Basic movement skills are essential for physical literacy, which is the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide range of physical activities.  BASIC MOVEMENT SKILLS These skills can be broadly categorized into four main groups: 1. Locomotor Skills 2. Manipulative Skills 3. Stability and Balance Skills 4. Movement and Body Awareness  LOCOMOTOR SKILLS According to Haywood, K. M., & Getchell, N. (2014) Locomotor skills refer to the basic movement patterns that involve moving the body from one location to another. These are foundational skills typically developed in early childhood and include walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, leaping, sliding, and galloping. These are the basic ways to move, the building blocks of coordination. Swimming requires specific locomotion skills that enable individuals to move efficiently through the water. The primary swimming strokes—freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly—each involve distinct movements.  LOCOMOTOR SKILLS Freestyle (Front Crawl) Arm Movement: The arms perform an alternating windmill motion, pulling through the water and recovering above the surface. Leg Movement: A flutter kick is used, with the legs moving in an up-and-down motion. Breathing: Freestyle swimmers turn their heads to the side to breathe while maintaining a continuous stroke cycle.  LOCOMOTOR SKILLS Breaststroke Arm Movement: The arms move in a circular motion simultaneously, pulling through the water and then recovering forward. Leg Movement: The legs perform a frog kick, where the feet move outward and then propel the swimmer forward. Breathing: Swimmers breathe by lifting their head above the water during the arm recovery phase.  LOCOMOTOR SKILLS Backstroke Arm Movement: The arms move in an alternating circular motion, with one arm pulling while the other arm recovers above the water. Leg Movement: Similar to freestyle, backstroke involves a flutter kick. Breathing: Since the face is above water, breathing is continuous and not synchronized with arm movements.  LOCOMOTOR SKILLS Butterfly Arm Movement: Both arms move simultaneously in a circular motion, pushing through the water and recovering above the surface. Leg Movement: The legs perform a dolphin kick, where both legs move up and down together. Breathing: Butterfly swimmers take quick breaths by lifting their head above the water during the arm recovery phase.  LOCOMOTOR SKILLS Underwater Dolphin Kick This is a specialized skill often used in competitive swimming during starts, turns, and underwater phases. It involves a powerful undulating motion of the entire body, especially the hips and legs, while keeping the arms extended. https://youtu.be/aPWFAXAzWZo Treading Water: Treading water is a skill that allows swimmers to stay afloat without forward movement. It involves a combination of scissor kicks and circular arm movements to maintain a stable position in the water. https://youtu.be/OEkNSVwNRTM  LOCOMOTOR SKILLS Survival Floating While not a stroke, survival floating is a crucial skill for water safety. It involves lying on the back, keeping the face above water, and using minimal movements to stay afloat.  MANIPULATIVE SKILLS Manipulative skills are motor skills that involve the controlled use of the hands, feet, or other body parts to handle, move, or manipulate objects. These skills are crucial for developing coordination, dexterity, and precision in physical activities. Common examples of manipulative skills include throwing, catching, kicking, striking, dribbling, and rolling objects like balls. Goodway, J. D., Robinson, L. E., & Crowe, H. (2019).  MANIPULATIVE SKILLS Throwing: The ability to propel an object with the hand, using a controlled and coordinated arm movement. Catching: The ability to receive and gain control of an object, typically with the hands. Kicking: Using the foot to strike an object, such as a ball, with control and accuracy. Striking: The ability to hit or strike an object with the hand, a tool, or a sports implement.  MANIPULATIVE SKILLS Swimming requires a combination of physical skills, technique, and mental focus. While the term "manipulative skills" may not be commonly used in the context of swimming, we can discuss various aspects of technique and control in the water that swimmers need to master. These skills include: Body Positioning- Maintaining a streamlined body position in the water is crucial for minimizing drag and increasing efficiency. Swimmers must learn how to align their bodies horizontally and keep their bodies straight to move through the water with minimal resistance.  MANIPULATIVE SKILLS Breathing Control- Proper breathing technique is essential in swimming. Swimmers need to develop the ability to take rhythmic breaths without disrupting their stroke. This involves exhaling underwater and inhaling quickly and efficiently when turning the head to breathe. Arm and Leg Coordination- Coordinating arm and leg movements is fundamental to swimming. Swimmers must learn to execute strokes with precise timing to maximize propulsion and maintain a smooth, efficient swim.  MANIPULATIVE SKILLS Propulsive Techniques- Different strokes (such as freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly) require specific techniques to generate propulsion. Swimmers must master the nuances of each stroke to move through the water effectively. Underwater Kicking- Utilizing powerful and streamlined underwater kicks after each start and turn is crucial. Swimmers can gain an advantage by maximizing their distance underwater before resurfacing. Overall, developing manipulative skills in swimming involves refining and mastering the various technical aspects of the sport to become a more efficient and effective swimmer.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Stability and balance skills refer to the abilities that help an individual maintain control of their body while stationary (static balance) or in motion (dynamic balance). These skills are essential for performing almost any physical activity as they enable the body to stay upright, change direction, and manage the forces of gravity and momentum.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Static Balance: Involves maintaining a controlled body position while standing or holding a position, such as balancing on one foot. Dynamic Balance: Involves maintaining control of the body while moving, such as walking on a balance beam, or changing direction while running.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Stability skills are foundational for more complex movements and are crucial in preventing falls and improving overall movement efficiency. Payne, V. G., & Isaacs, L. D. (2017). Balancing: Maintaining an upright position while standing still or moving on one or both feet. Twisting and Turning: Rotating the body to change direction or face a different angle. Bending and Stretching: Flexibility and mobility in movements that involve bending at the waist or extending limbs. Coordination: The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Stability and balance are fundamental body movements that do not incorporate traveling. They are stability skills that include movements of limbs or body parts, and sometimes even the whole body. They are occasionally referred to as axial movements, as in 'revolving around an axis'. Stability and balance are crucial components of swimming that contribute to efficient and effective movement in the water.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Core Strength A strong core is fundamental to stability in the water. Exercises such as planks, leg raises, and flutter kicks can help strengthen the abdominal, oblique, and lower back muscles, improving overall core stability. Treading Water Treading water is an excellent exercise for building balance and maintaining an upright position in the water. Practice various treading water techniques, including scissor kicks, eggbeater kicks, and small arm movements.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Balance Drills Perform drills that challenge your balance, such as standing on one leg in the shallow end of the pool. This helps improve proprioception and balance control. Floatation Devices Use floatation devices like kickboards or pull buoys to isolate specific parts of your body while focusing on balance. For example, using a kickboard for kicking drills allows you to concentrate on leg movement and balance.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Single-Leg Kicking: Swim with one arm extended and one arm at your side, kicking with a single leg. This drill helps improve balance and encourages a streamlined body position. Side Balance Drill Practice swimming on your side with one arm extended and the other at your side. Focus on maintaining balance and a straight body position while breathing on your side.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Rotation Drills Improve balance and body rotation by incorporating drills that require controlled rotation. For example, practice rotating your body during freestyle or backstroke while maintaining balance. Head and Body Positioning Pay attention to your head and body positioning in the water. Keep your head in a neutral position, looking straight ahead, and ensure that your body is aligned horizontally to minimize resistance and improve balance.  STABILITY AND BALANCE SKILLS Breathing Control Develop controlled breathing techniques to avoid disrupting your balance. In strokes like freestyle and breaststroke, coordinate your breathing with your arm movements to maintain stability. Visual Alignment Practice swimming with your eyes looking straight down, maintaining a neutral head position. This helps with body alignment and contributes to better balance in the water.  MOVEMENT AND BODY AWARENESS Movement and body awareness refer to the understanding and consciousness of how the body moves in space and how different body parts relate to each other during movement. This concept is fundamental in physical education as it underpins the ability to perform movements accurately, efficiently, and safely.  MOVEMENT AND BODY AWARENESS Movement Awareness: Involves understanding the mechanics of movement, including concepts like direction, speed, and force. It helps individuals learn how to control and coordinate their movements effectively. Body Awareness: Refers to an individual's recognition of their body's position in space and the relationships between different body parts. This includes knowing where your limbs are in relation to the rest of your body and how they move. Graham, G., Holt/Hale, S. A., & Parker, M. (2013).  MOVEMENT AND BODY AWARENESS Movement and body awareness are crucial aspects of swimming that contribute to efficiency, speed, and overall enjoyment in the water. Here are some key points related to movement and body awareness in swimming: Body Positioning- Maintaining a streamlined body position is essential for minimizing drag and maximizing forward propulsion. Swimmers should be aware of their body alignment and aim to keep the body straight and horizontal. Head Position- The position of the head is crucial for proper body alignment. In freestyle and backstroke, the head should be in a neutral position, looking straight ahead. In breaststroke and butterfly, the head position changes during the breathing phase.  MOVEMENT AND BODY AWARENESS Arm Movement- Awareness of proper arm movements is important for effective strokes. Swimmers need to be conscious of the full extension of the arms, the catch phase, and the pull through the water. Breathing Awareness- Coordinating breathing with the stroke cycle requires a heightened sense of body awareness. Swimmers should be aware of when and how to turn their heads to breathe while maintaining a smooth and continuous stroke. Kicking Technique- Understanding the role of the legs in propulsion and stability is crucial. Swimmers should be aware of the proper flutter kick for freestyle and backstroke, breaststroke kick, and the dolphin kick used in butterfly.  MOVEMENT AND BODY AWARENESS Core Engagement- The core muscles play a significant role in stabilizing the body. Swimmers need to be aware of engaging their core muscles to maintain balance and control during different strokes and movements. Turns and Flip Turns- Awareness of approaching the pool wall and executing proper turns is essential. This involves timing, body rotation, and efficient push-offs from the wall. Flip turns require a heightened sense of body positioning and rotation. Rhythm and Tempo- Developing a sense of rhythm and tempo in swimming strokes contributes to smoother and more efficient movement through the water. Swimmers should be aware of the timing of their strokes, kicks, and breathing. DIRECTIONAL SKILLS  DIRECTIONAL SKILLS Directional skills, often referred to as directional abilities, encompass the cognitive and perceptual capabilities that allow individuals to navigate and understand spatial relationships and movements. Spatial Awareness: This involves understanding and remembering the relative positions of objects in space. It’s a critical component of directional skills, influencing how well a person can navigate through an environment or perform tasks requiring spatial reasoning. Newcombe, N. S., & Shipley, T. F. (2015).  DIRECTIONAL SKILLS Orientation: This refers to the ability to determine one’s position in relation to the surrounding environment and to use that information for navigation. Montello, D. R., & Large, E. W. (1999). Orientation in swimming refers to a swimmer's ability to maintain a proper sense of direction and alignment relative to their environment, whether it’s in a pool or open water. Navigation Skills: The ability to move from one location to another efficiently and effectively, using cues from the environment to make decisions about direction. Golledge, R. G. (1999). In open water, navigation skills help swimmers stay on course, avoiding veering off track. This is crucial in long-distance races and triathlons where the course is often marked by buoys or landmarks.  DIRECTIONAL SKILLS Directional skills in swimming are fundamental for navigating the water efficiently, maintaining proper body positioning, and ensuring safety. Sighting: Description: The ability to lift the head out of the water periodically to sight landmarks or buoys in open water. Importance: Sighting helps swimmers maintain a straight course and navigate in open water where there may not be visible pool lanes.  DIRECTIONAL SKILLS Bilateral Breathing: Description: Learning to breathe on both sides during freestyle swimming. Importance: Bilateral breathing promotes balance in stroke technique and helps swimmers maintain a straight line in the water. Rotational Body Movement: Description: The controlled rotation of the body during strokes like freestyle and backstroke. Importance: Proper rotation enhances stroke efficiency, reduces drag, and contributes to a straight swimming path.  DIRECTIONAL SKILLS Kicking Directionally: Description: Kicking with a purposeful direction to assist in propulsion or maintain stability. Importance: Directional kicking is crucial for steering and maintaining a straight path while swimming.  DIRECTIONAL SKILLS In swimming, the concepts of left, right, up, down, top, bottom, front, and back are essential for effective navigation, stroke execution, and overall safety. Here's how these directional skills apply in the context of swimming: · Left and Right These directions are relevant for stroke techniques and body rotation. For example, swimmers often alternate between left and right arm strokes during freestyle or backstroke. · Up and Down Understanding the orientation of the body in the water is crucial. Swimmers need to maintain proper body position to reduce drag and move efficiently through the water. "Up" generally refers to the direction of the water's surface, and "down" is toward the pool bottom.  DIRECTIONAL SKILLS · Top and Bottom Proper body positioning is also associated with the concepts of top and bottom. Keeping the body streamlined and near the water's surface reduces resistance and facilitates smoother swimming. · Front and Back Different swimming strokes involve variations in body position and orientation. For example, in freestyle and backstroke, swimmers are on their backs and stomachs, respectively, while breaststroke and butterfly involve a more vertical or frontal position. THE ORIGIN OF SWIMMING; SWIMMING CIVILIZATION  IN ANCIENT TIMES Our ancestors settled near the life-giving water, fished, hunted, and most likely braved to enter the water. What swimming technique did they employ? The cavemen provide a solution to this question. The paintings on the cave wall depicted their swimming technique.  IN ANCIENT TIMES They most likely navigated water barriers by dog-paddling and doing propulsive arm movements similar to today's freestyle arm-stroke, or by clinging to logs and animal bladders. Several swimming-like gestures can be found in some cave drawings from the Prehistoric era of the Stone Age, but the style is difficult to define. Some authors call it breaststroke, while others call it dog-paddling. IN ANCIENT TIMES The swimming style is easy to discern on an ancient Egyptian clay tablet dating from 4000 to 9000 B.C. The arm-stroke clearly depicts the freestyle arm-moving stroke's phase: one arm is portrayed in the recovery phase above the water, while the other arm performs the pulling action beneath the water.  IN ANCIENT TIMES Ancient Egypt Swimming was an activity practiced by the elite and depicted in various artifacts. The earliest known evidence of swimming in ancient Egypt dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Reliefs and tomb paintings show Egyptians swimming and using it as a form of exercise and recreation. The famous Egyptian physician and scholar, Imhotep, is known to have recommended swimming as a remedy for physical ailments.  IN ANCIENT TIMES Ancient Greece Swimming was highly valued in ancient Greece, not only for recreation but also as part of physical education. The Greeks believed that swimming was essential for a well- rounded education. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle extolled its benefits for physical fitness and mental discipline. Plato stated that “the uneducated, who cannot swim, read, or write, cannot assume a public position.” Swimming was included in the curriculum of the gymnasium, the Greek training facility for athletes.  IN ANCIENT TIMES Ancient Rome The Romans also valued swimming, though it was less central to their culture than it was for the Greeks. Public baths or thermae, which were an integral part of Roman life, often included swimming pools. These baths were social hubs where people could swim, exercise, and socialize.  SWIMMING IN THE MIDDLE AGES After the fall of the Roman Empire (476 A.D.), water has lost its popularity. Any contact with it was considered unclean and sinful. "Every day bathing and swimming in open water are extremely harmful to health", they professed. This, of course, had some base as the plague and leprosy imported by the Byzantine troops around 542 reorganized Europe's population. Water may have been the source of diseases and illnesses, and it was better to stay away from it.  MIDDLE AGES Early Middle Ages (500–1000 AD) During the early medieval period in Egypt, swimming was less documented due to the decline of classical traditions and the influence of Islamic cultural practices. However, the Nile River remained a significant part of daily life and could have been used for swimming and bathing.  MIDDLE AGES Byzantine Period (330–1453 AD) In the Byzantine Empire, the cultural and educational values of classical Greece continued to have an influence, although swimming became less emphasized compared to earlier times. The decline in public bath culture and changes in educational priorities reduced the prominence of swimming.  MIDDLE AGES Early Middle Ages (500–1000 AD) After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the tradition of public baths and swimming continued in the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) but saw significant decline in the West. The fall of the Roman Empire led to the abandonment and neglect of many Roman baths and swimming facilities.  MIDDLE AGES Medieval Europe (1000–1500 AD) During the medieval period in Western Europe, swimming was generally less common and often viewed with suspicion due to changes in religious attitudes and the decline of Roman public baths. However, it was still practiced in some areas, especially in rural settings where natural bodies of water were used.  THE RENAISSANCE During the Renaissance (14th to 17th centuries), there was a notable revival of interest in classical knowledge, including physical activities like swimming. This period marked a renewed appreciation for the arts, sciences, and classical antiquity, which influenced various aspects of life, including swimming.  THE RENAISSANCE In Renaissance Europe, there was a renewed fascination with ancient Greek and Roman practices, including physical exercises and sports such as swimming. This revival was influenced by humanism and the Renaissance's broader intellectual and cultural revival. While swimming did not become as central a practice as it was in ancient Rome, it did see some renewed attention in artistic and educational contexts.  THE RENAISSANCE The Renaissance was a time of rediscovery and revival of classical knowledge, including practices such as swimming. While it did not regain the prominence it held in ancient times, swimming was part of the broader interest in physical culture and classical ideals. VALUES OF SWIMMING  VALUES OF SWIMMING 1. Safety Value 2. Physiological Value 3. Special Value 4. Recreational Value 5. Social Value 6. Competitive Value  VALUES OF SWIMMING 1. Safety Value- Swimming develops how to swim well, respect the water and observe all safety precaution to any bodies of water foreign environment.  VALUES OF SWIMMING 2. Physiological Value – Swimming develops the capacity of body and what our body can do (health and skill-related fitness)  VALUES OF SWIMMING 3. Special Value- Swimming is a good physical and mental rehabilitation for person with disabilities.  VALUES OF SWIMMING 4. Recreational Value- Swimming emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in aquatics.  VALUES OF SWIMMING 5. Social Value- Swimming helps in socializing with other people.  VALUES OF SWIMMING 6. Competitive Value- Swimming drives other to be sporty and competitive but in a positive way SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 1. Eating in the pool  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 2. Menstruation  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 3. Noise Level  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 4. Shower and Foot Baths  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 5. Skin Disease  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 6. Pool Staff  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 7. Oil and Make-up  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 8. Long Nails and Jewelries  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 9. Movement around the pool  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 10. Eating Before Swimming-  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 11. Pool Depth  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 12. Entering and Leaving-  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 13. Drying after a swim  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 14. Cuts and Open Wounds-  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 15. Horse Playing  SAFETY AND HYGIENIC RULES IN SWIMMING 16. Spitting and blowing the nose  ACTIVITY 1 Direction: See the table below and explain/ discuss/ elaborate each values of swimming. (20 pts.)  ACTIVITY 2 Direction: Give at least ten (10) safety and hygienic rules in swimming and explain each briefly. (10pts) 1. 6. 2. 7. 3. 8. 4. 9. 5. 10. SWIMMING EQUIPMENTS AND FACILITY 1. Kickboard – can be used to isolate and teach the leg movements, especially the flutter kick and the frog kick. It makes less sense to learn the dolphin kick used in butterfly, as the kickboard limits the body undulation that is essential in that stroke. 2. Swimwear- For men, it uses swim brief, swim trunks. For women, the best choice for swimming is the one- piece swimsuit. As for the brand and materials, speedo endurance swimsuits are usually recommended. The material is designed for people who swim several times per week. It is durable and resists the chlorine well. 3. Nose clip- A nose clip is a small, usually plastic or metal device that swimmers use to prevent water from entering their nostrils while swimming. It’s especially useful for swimmers who want to focus on their technique without worrying about water getting up their nose 4. Head Cap/ Bathing caps- It helps reduce drag in the water, keeps hair out of the face, and provides some protection against chlorine. In some public pools, swim caps are required to help keep the pool water clean and reduce the amount of hair that gets into the filtration system. 5. Goggles- Swimming goggles allow you to submerge your head without having the fear of getting water in your eyes. You will be more relaxed and able to streamline your body better. In addition, it protect your eyes from the chlorine and anything else that may be in the water, and it help you to keep your eyes open while you’re swimming so that you can see where you're going. 6. Pull Buoy - It is a figure-eight shaped floatation device made of solid foam and which you squeeze your tights. It also supports your legs so you can focus on the arm stroke movements. It makes the most sense to use them when swimming front crawl. 7. Hand Paddles- is attaching to your hands and add propulsion to your arm stroke.They can be a lot of work for the arms and shoulders because of the resistance in the water, (for example, biceps curls). Hand paddles make a water workout difficult, and so you should warm up in the water without them first, and then build up slowly like you would with any resistance exercise workout so that you don't overwork your arms and shoulder joints. The Gloves, like hand paddles, also add resistance for your arms, although they are smaller than paddles and so the resistance is lighter. These might be a better choice than paddles if you're just starting out with resistance exercises in the water. 8. Mesh Bag - it is used for easy equipment storage and transportation. Often used just for the gear that swimmers keep on deck with them such as fins, pulling gear, kickboards, snorkels. 9. Swim Fins- Fins fit on your feet and add propulsion to your kicks (think of a duck's web-foot). They are great training for your legs and will help you swim faster. It builds up leg strength and ankle flexibility and to help you go faster without overworking your legs. 10. Swimming Noddle- A noodle is a flexible, tube-shaped flotation device that you can wrap under your arms or around your waist to keep you buoyant so that you can keep moving in the water. The advantage of being able to keep moving is that you can work on your stroke without fatigue and increase your strength and endurance 11. Swimming Watch - essential for tracking swim times, lap counts, and pace, providing swimmers with detailed performance data and metrics to monitor progress and improve their training? 12. Earplugs - help keep water out of the ears. This reduces the risk of catching swimmer's ear, a painful infection of the ear canal, which is more common in kids. Kids with tubes in their ears, or who experience frequent ear infections, may need to wear ear plugs more often. 13. Lap Counter -a device used by swimmers to keep track of the number of laps they've completed during a workout or race. 14. Towel - Microfiber towel is a quick-drying and absorbent features are very suitable for the swimmers who are in and out of the pool multiple times. In the meantime, you can choose a larger size to wrap yourself up to the restroom or bathroom. Apart from that, it is tiny in size that you can save up space in your swimming bag. Swimming Pool: Short Course Distance · Length: 25 meters or 25 yards · Abbreviations: SCM means 25 meters long, while SCY means 25 yards long · Number of lanes: four or more  Swimming Pool: Long Course or Olympic Distance · Length: 50 meters (164 feet) · Lane width: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) · Width: 25 meters (84 feet) · Depth: At least 2 meters (6.6 feet) · Number of lanes: 8 to 10 · Temperature: 25-28 degrees Celsius (77–82 degrees Fahrenheit) Markings Lane lines are wire cables that are covered with small plastic buoys or "floats" that divide each lane.  Starting Blocks In competition, starting blocks are used. Each individual swim or relay leg starts with a dive from these blocks. The only exception is backstroke races, which begin in the water with the swimmer grasping the grips or handles provided for backstroke starts. SWIMMING TERMINOLOGIES/ GLOSSARY