Breaststroke is the slowest competitive stroke with underwater recovery. Basic elements include pull, breathe, kick, glide sequence. Creates more drag than other strokes due to underwater recovery
Formal swimming lessons should start after first birthday. Lessons should focus on both swimming skills and water survival. Classes should be taught by certified instructors with CPR/First Aid. Water should be warm, clean, and supervised by lifeguards
Place chest on top of kickboard with stomach in water. Grip board with both hands, elbows tucked in. Keep body straight and press down slightly to raise hips
Four main competitive strokes: front crawl, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Front crawl is fastest, used almost exclusively in freestyle. Breaststroke is slowest, often taught to beginners. Butterfly stroke is second fastest, used for short distances. Backstroke is third fastest, swum on back
Most popular swimming stroke with head above water. Slowest swimming stroke due to thigh drag during recovery. Beginners benefit from keeping head above water. Experienced swimmers dip head underwater for better position
Stand with arms back, knees bent, legs tucked and waist forward. Straighten body until upside-down perpendicular to surface. Extend arms towards bottom and point toes. Repeat until reaching bottom or running out of breath