Above image: https://web.stanford.edu/dept/pe/cgi-bin/downloads/aquatics/Swim%20Fast.jpg
Science of Swimming
Swimming, either through the calm, pool water, or the rapid, enormous ocean waves, there are several human characteristics that make us humans not well-suited to move through the water. We don't float too well, are unable to breathe underwater for long periods of time, and find ourselves exhausted after travelling long distances. However, understanding the physics behind swimming will make us more efficient in moving through the water. Having a general understanding of the forces opposing our motion through the water and how we can use the different physics behind swimming to our advantage can allow us to become effective swimmers. (Woodford)
How can we use physics to help us effectively swim?
"What is the physics of swimming and how can I use this knowledge to be an effective, efficient swimmer? As a swimmer, lifeguard, and swim instructor, I was prompted to ask my hot, IBL question to further improve the swimming strokes that I teach my students and to also apply the knowledge I have acquired to become a better swimmer myself. The Surrey Swim Knights team has also accepted me to be part of their team, and so the new, acquired knowledge I have about the physics of swimming will come to my advantage.
Swimming strokes
The four common strokes that are used in competitive swimming events are: freestyle (front crawl), back stroke, breast stroke and butterfly. Back stroke and breast stroke are categorized as "rest strokes", whereas freestyle and butterfly are power strokes. Rest strokes require less energy to travel the same distances as that traveled by power stroke; however, it takes more time. Power strokes require more energy over a shorter lapse of time to achieve the same distance. Sidestroke and elementary back stroke are two additional strokes that act as building blocks for beginners to perform the 4 primary strokes properly. Each stroke differs in both body position and the techniques to achieve the propulsion in the water. (Physics of Swimming)