Mannequin carry effort by lifesavers using different types of fins

Abstract

. Our aim was to determine the best fin type for a 25m mannequin-carry effort. For that purpose, barefoot swimming instantaneous velocity and using four fin types was compared. The fatigue effect over 25m, considering the beginning, the middle part, and the end of the event, was also assessed. Ten national level lifesavers performed 5x25m mannequin carry efforts at maximum velocity while barefoot and while wearing flexible, short, stiff and fiber fins. A cable speedometer was used for assessing velocity. Mean velocity during 2sec periods was computed in the beginning, middle section, and at the end of the event. Descriptive statistics and repeated ANOVA measures were conducted. The results showed that different fin types imply different propulsion effectiveness, with fiber fins being the best ones to use in short carry efforts performed by sportive lifesavers. Flexible fins tend to be less effective, but allow higher velocity than when swimming barefoot