SESKStuff Everyone Should Know

Games · Sports & Fitness

Stuff Every Swimmer Should Know

Water safety, the four strokes, pool and open water rules, and training tips.

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Free to start, no sign-up. 61 cards so far. One Knowledge Score and day streak across all your courses.

⏱ Timed practice exam

SESK practice exam: 50 questions, 50 minutes, pass with 40 right (80%).

Take it like the real thing: a countdown, no hints until you finish, then your score by topic, every miss explained, and a readiness score from your last 3 exams.

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  1. What does drowning usually look and sound like?
    Show the answer

    Quick and quiet, with barely a splash. The AAP says drowning is quick and silent, and a child can go under within seconds with barely a splash. Do not wait to hear trouble. Keep your eyes on swimmers the whole time.

  2. A weak swimmer can drown in about the time it takes to do what?
    Show the answer

    Reply to a text. The Red Cross says a child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text. That is why the watcher puts the phone away.

  3. Who does the Red Cross say should never swim alone?
    Show the answer

    Everyone, no matter age or skill. The Red Cross rule is to never swim alone, regardless of age or skill. Even strong swimmers get cramps, get tired or get hurt, and a buddy can get help.

All 61 practice questions

The first 50 are free, with the answer, why it's right and the official sources. The other 11 (🔒) are for SESK members. Or play them as a game and track what you've learned.

Show all 61 questions
  1. What does drowning usually look and sound like?
  2. A weak swimmer can drown in about the time it takes to do what?
  3. Who does the Red Cross say should never swim alone?
  4. The chance of drowning at a US beach with lifeguards is about 1 in how many?
  5. If a lifeguard is on duty, do parents still need to watch their kids in the water?
  6. Someone is struggling in the water. What does the Red Cross phrase 'reach or throw, don't go' mean?
  7. How can you tell a life jacket is US Coast Guard approved?
  8. A properly fitted foam life jacket should NOT ride up past what?
  9. Can water wings or floaties replace a life jacket?
  10. When boating, who should wear a life jacket according to the Red Cross?
  11. Does a rip current pull you under the water?
  12. How far from piers and jetties does NOAA say to stay when swimming?
  13. Which beach sight can mean a rip current is there?
  14. Can dangerous rip currents form on calm, sunny beach days?
  15. Sudden gasping from cold water can be triggered by water as warm as what?
  16. Going kayaking or paddle boarding on a warm day with cold water, what should you dress for?
  17. Stuck in cold water with a life jacket, what does the H.E.L.P. position have you do?
  18. How deep does the Red Cross say water must be before you dive in head first?
  19. What does the Red Cross say about jumping into water from a bridge?
  20. What does the Red Cross say about pool and hot tub drains?
  21. Why is 'no running' a pool rule?
  22. What part of the body does swimmer's ear affect?
  23. Which habit helps prevent swimmer's ear?
  24. Do you really need to wait 30 to 60 minutes after eating before you swim?
  25. Red, irritated eyes after swimming can come from what in pool water?
  26. Is there such a thing as waterproof sunscreen?
  27. A 'water resistant' sunscreen label must say it lasts how long while swimming?
  28. After the last thunder, how long should you wait before getting back in an outdoor pool?
  29. You're swimming outside and hear thunder. What should you do?
  30. Why shouldn't swimmers breathe fast and deep before underwater distance contests?
  31. Is 'dry drowning' days after swimming a real medical condition?
  32. If a child goes missing near a pool, where should you look first?
  33. In a freestyle race, which stroke must a swimmer use?
  34. How must a swimmer be positioned during backstroke, except at turns?
  35. What movement rule defines breaststroke arms and legs?
  36. Which kick is used in butterfly?
  37. What is the individual medley stroke order?
  38. Which stroke goes first in a medley relay?
  39. Which two strokes normally use flip turns?
  40. Which two strokes require a simultaneous two-hand wall touch?
  41. What does bilateral breathing mean in freestyle?
  42. When should a freestyle swimmer breathe out?
  43. Where does the down-kick of a freestyle flutter kick begin?
  44. What is a kickboard mainly used for?
  45. What does a pull buoy do in swim training?
  46. Which goggle lens does USMS call best for sunny, high-glare swims?
  47. What is a main purpose of a competitive swim cap?
  48. Which pool length is used in the Olympic Games?
  49. In a 25-yard pool, how many lengths make a 100-yard swim?
  50. What is sighting in open water swimming?
  51. What is the main benefit of a wetsuit in open water swimming? 🔒
  52. What is the possible penalty for a false start in swimming? 🔒
  53. How must a backstroke swimmer finish a race? 🔒
  54. How may a freestyle swimmer touch the wall at the finish? 🔒
  55. How do backstroke swimmers start a race? 🔒
  56. World Aquatics pool rules call for how many lanes at the Olympic Games? 🔒
  57. In what year were women's swimming events added to the Olympics? 🔒
  58. How many Olympic medals did Michael Phelps win? 🔒
  59. Katie Ledecky won four straight Olympic golds, from 2012 to 2024, in which event? 🔒
  60. Why do many swimmers take few breaths in a 50 m freestyle sprint? 🔒
  61. In open water races, what often decides whether wetsuits are required or not allowed? 🔒