Swim laps
Swim laps in a pool to improve technique, count strokes and laps, time yourself, and learn pacing, efficient breathing, and safe pool habits.
Step-by-step guide to swim laps
Basics of Lap Swimming Part 1
Step 1
Put on your swimsuit and goggles so you are ready to get in the water.
Step 2
Warm up for 3 minutes with easy movements on the pool deck to wake up your muscles.
Step 3
Decide how many laps you will swim today so you have a clear goal.
Step 4
Pick the stroke you will practice for this session like freestyle backstroke or breaststroke.
Step 5
Choose a breathing rhythm to try such as breathing every 2 strokes or every 3 strokes.
Step 6
Stand at the pool edge and take three slow deep breaths to prepare to start.
Step 7
Start your stopwatch so you can time your laps.
Step 8
Push off the wall and swim one lap while focusing on smooth efficient strokes.
Step 9
Count the number of strokes you take during that lap and keep counting until you touch the wall.
Step 10
Write down the stroke count for that lap in your swim log or on a piece of paper at poolside.
Step 11
Repeat swimming a lap counting strokes and writing them down until you reach your chosen number of laps.
Step 12
Swim one easy cool-down lap slowly to help your body relax.
Step 13
Record your total time and a short note about your breathing and pacing in your swim log.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org by posting your swim log and what you learned.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a stopwatch, goggles, or a swim log as listed in the instructions?
If you don't have a stopwatch use your phone's timer kept in a waterproof pouch or the pool clock, if you lack goggles try a swim mask or practice in shallow water, and substitute the swim log with a waterproof notebook or a phone note you write at poolside after each lap.
What should we do if we keep losing count of strokes or forget to start the stopwatch when we push off the wall?
If you lose stroke count, tap your thigh or set a small stroke-count interval (e.g., mark every 10 strokes) and write counts down immediately at the wall, and to avoid missing the start, press start on your stopwatch or phone right before you push off the wall as the instructions say.
How can this lap-counting activity be adapted for younger kids or more advanced swimmers?
For younger kids, reduce the number of laps, use a flotation aid, and have an adult start the stopwatch and record stroke counts, while advanced swimmers can increase laps, vary strokes and breathing rhythms, and track split times in the swim log.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the session beyond the basic laps and log entry?
To enhance the activity, add interval sets (e.g., timed 25s with a chosen breathing rhythm), video one lap to review stroke count and technique, and decorate or annotate your swim log before sharing your total time and breathing notes on DIY.org as suggested.
Watch videos on how to swim laps
How To Swim Laps | 5 Beginner Mistakes to AVOID
3 Videos
How To Swim Laps | 5 Beginner Mistakes to AVOID
How to Teach a Child to Swim - 6 Simple Skills to Learn
How to SWIM: Teach your child TODAY ✅ (Children Swimming Lesson) #swimming
Facts about swimming technique and water safety
📏 An Olympic pool is 50 meters long; many community lap pools are 25 meters or 25 yards.
🌬️ Bilateral breathing (breathing to both sides) helps balance your stroke and maintain steady pacing.
🏅 Elite swimmers often focus on reducing stroke count per lap to become more efficient.
🛟 Lifeguards are trained to spot swimmers in distress and many public pools require trained staff for safety.
🏊♂️ Swimming has been part of the modern Olympic Games since 1896.
How can I practice swim laps with my child to improve technique, count strokes, and learn pacing?
What materials and equipment do I need for my child to swim laps and track progress?
What ages or skill levels are suitable for children to start lap swimming and training?
What safety tips should I follow when my child swims laps in the pool?
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