We often see the benefits and reasons of why we should learn popular strokes like breaststroke and freestyle strokes but did you know that the side stroke has its importance too?

Let us look at some reasons why the side stroke should not be neglected!

Save Lives

Have you watched how lifeguards perform in-water rescues before? Did you realise that side stroke is most often being used? Why is that so?

As the name suggests, the stroke is done using only one side of the body. This allows the rescuer to tow the casualties using one side of the body while swimming to safety using the other.

Swimming itself is exhausting enough already, needless to say towing a casualty along. The amount of energy and strength required is immense and should never be underestimated. Therefore, the side stroke is used for this purpose as it is a very efficient move.

This stroke is literally used to save lives, do I need to elaborate more about its importance?

Long-distance swimming

There is arguably no other stroke that allows one to swim as long as the side stroke does. This is also one of the reasons why it is used for life-saving purposes. But why is it so?

Instead of using both arms and legs simultaneously in the same way, the side stroke employs them differently. It is such that swimmers can simply switch over to the other side to swim if they feel exhausted on one side. Therefore, it gives the limbs the opportunity to recover. it is indeed one of the more relaxed strokes in swimming.

Good start!

If you are new to swimming, you might want to consider starting with this swimming stroke! This stroke is one that takes minimal effort and is also one of the easier strokes to learn.

This particular stroke allows your face and one ear to be kept above the water. Therefore, it is a good move for those who are afraid of putting their faces into the water, especially kids. While they practice swimming with this stroke, you can then gradually help your kids get comfortable with putting their heads into the water.

Rehabilitation

Do you know that the sidestroke can be used for rehabilitative purposes too? Being an easier move to perform, those undergoing water therapy can start by practicing this stroke before working their way towards more difficult strokes.

If you are suffering from back or neck problems, the side stroke may also be the move for you!

This is because bending kicks are not required for this move unlike other strokes, such as breaststroke. Thus, it does not strain the back as much.

Conclusion

The side stroke is not under the list of competitive strokes, neither is it a fast one. However, it is literally used to save lives! Just this purpose alone makes it an important one to learn. So if you are guilty of neglecting this stroke, start private swimming lessons and engage a private swimming coach today!

Hi all! I am an avid traveller, baker and avid childhood education writer. Being able to share my experience through words has always been a passion of mine. Through my writing, I hope you will gain more knowledge of the swimming world and share my passion for swimming too!