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

Lifting the head to breathe causes the hips and legs to sink, creating significant drag. The correct technique involves rotating the head to the side with the body, keeping the head in line with the spine. The cue "Keep one eye and one ear in the water" encourages this rotation rather than an inefficient lifting motion.

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

The correct sequence for the breaststroke is often described as "Pull, Breathe, Kick, Glide." The propulsive force from the whip kick occurs as the arms are recovering and extending forward, driving the body into the streamlined glide phase.

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

In the back crawl, dropping the elbow during the pull (power phase) reduces the effective surface area of the hand and forearm pushing against the water. A correct pull maintains a high elbow position, allowing the swimmer to "catch" more water and generate greater force.

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 butterfly stroke requires two kicks for each arm cycle. The first kick occurs as the hands enter the water, and the second, more propulsive kick occurs during the finish of the arm pull. This second kick provides the lift needed to help the upper body and arms clear the water for recovery. A single kick per cycle removes this critical lifting force, making recovery difficult.

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

Body roll, originating from the hips and core, is crucial for an efficient freestyle. It allows the swimmer to engage larger back and core muscles during the underwater pull, increasing power. It also helps the recovering arm to clear the water more easily and facilitates a lower-profile breath.

WSI - Water Safety Instructor Practice Test

WSI - Water Safety Instructor Practice Test

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