WSI - Water Safety Instructor Stroke Mechanics and Analysis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Water Safety Instructor observes a swimmer whose head lifts excessively high during every breath in the front crawl, causing their hips to drop.
Which of the following is the most effective cue to correct this error?

Accepted Answer

"Keep one eye and one ear in the water when you breathe."

Answer

"Kick harder to keep your hips up."

Answer

"Take a bigger breath so you don't have to lift your head as high."

Answer

"Pull your arm through the water faster."

Question 2

During a breaststroke, the power phase of the kick should ideally be timed to occur:

Accepted Answer

as the arms are extending forward into the glide.

Answer

simultaneously with the arm insweep.

Answer

during the glide phase after the arms have recovered.

Answer

immediately after the hands begin to press outward in the pull.

Question 3

Which of the following describes a common mechanical error in the back crawl that reduces propulsion?

Accepted Answer

The elbow bends and drops deep in the water during the pull.

Answer

The body rolls from side to side with each arm stroke.

Answer

The kick originates from the hips with a relaxed ankle.

Answer

The arm enters the water with the pinky finger first.

Question 4

You are analyzing a swimmer's butterfly stroke. You notice their timing is off, and they appear to be struggling to get their arms out of the water for the recovery. What is the most likely cause of this issue?

Accepted Answer

The swimmer is performing only one kick per arm cycle.

Answer

The swimmer is kicking too hard.

Answer

The swimmer's head is lifting too late for the breath.

Answer

The swimmer is not pushing down and back with their hands during the pull.

Question 5

A key component of an efficient freestyle (front crawl) is body roll. What is the primary purpose of this action?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate a more powerful pull and an easier arm recovery.

Answer

To allow the legs to perform a whip kick.

Answer

To keep the head completely submerged at all times.

Answer

To increase the number of kicks per arm cycle.

Question 6

When analyzing the arm action of the elementary backstroke, what is the correct sequence of movements?

Accepted Answer

Arms bend, bringing hands to the shoulders, then extend to the side before pressing down to the hips.

Answer

Arms press straight back towards the feet, then recover underwater to the shoulders.

Answer

Arms move from the sides to a "T" position, then recover over the water.

Answer

Arms recover straight over the head and pull down through the water.