The dog paddle or doggy paddle is a simple swimming style. It is characterized by the swimmer lying on their chest and moving their hands and legs alternately in a manner reminiscent of how dogs and other quadrupedal mammals swim.[1] It is effectively a "trot" in water, instead of land.[2]
It was the first swimming stroke used by ancient humans, believed to have been learned by observing animals swim.[3] Prehistoric cave paintings in Egypt show figures doing what appears to be the dog paddle.[4]
It is often the first swimming stroke used by young children when they are learning to swim.[5]
The dog paddle has also been taught as a military swimming stroke when a silent stroke is needed - since neither arms or legs break the surface.[6]
See also
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External links
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