The effect of the beginning stroke on swimming ability and water safety (2016)

In the Netherlands there are two different swimming certificates, handed out by different organizations. Both certificates have about the same requirements, but a different beginning stroke. Though, both organizations hold that their method is the best method. Therefore, this study examined the effects of the beginning stroke on children’s swimming abilities and water safety after 4 months of swimming lessons. One group first received eight lessons on breaststroke and single backstroke, followed by eight lessons of free stroke and backstroke (BS/SBS; n=40). The second group first received eight lessons in free stroke and backstroke, followed by eight lessons on breaststroke and single backstroke (FS/BS; n=40). Results showed that FS/BS group scored significantly better on swimming ability (i.e., stroke execution) than BS/SBS group during retention. However, no differences were found between the two groups with respect to water safety, pleasure in swimming lessons, liking the teacher, daring to swim without parents, self-efficacy in the water and motivation to swim well. It was concluded that free stroke and backstroke led to better swimming skills during the first four months of swimming lessons, but that water safety did not depend on which stroke one learns at first.