Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Practice Exam

What are the six strokes taught in the swimming class?

1. Front crawl, side stroke, breaststroke, back stroke, butterfly, and elementary backstroke

2. Front crawl, back crawl, side stroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly

3. Front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, dolphin, side stroke, and freestyle

4. Butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke, front glide, side stroke, and elementary

The correct answer is: Front crawl, back crawl, side stroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly

The selected answer outlines six fundamental swimming strokes that are commonly taught in swimming classes. The front crawl, also known as freestyle, is a stroke where the swimmer faces down and uses an alternating arm movement along with a flutter kick. Back crawl, which is often referred to as backstroke, involves swimming on the back using an alternating arm movement and a flutter kick, allowing the swimmer to breathe freely. The side stroke is a more traditional stroke that incorporates a scissor kick and is often used for leisure swimming or lifesaving techniques. Elementary backstroke is a beginner-friendly stroke that has the swimmer lying on their back and using a frog kick, making it easier for those new to swimming to coordinate their movements. Breaststroke is characterized by a simultaneous arm pull and a frog kick, often considered one of the slower strokes but essential for building a solid foundation in swimming techniques. Finally, butterfly is a more advanced stroke that involves a simultaneous arm movement and a dolphin kick, which requires significant strength and coordination. Each of these strokes has distinct techniques and benefits, making them essential components of a comprehensive swimming curriculum. This combination allows swimmers to develop a variety of skills that are transferable across different swimming activities, from competition to leisure and safety.