How far apart are the benches and islands for 101 Skills?

In the context of the 101 Skills, the distance between the benches and islands is generally set at a range of 5-10 feet. This distance provides a safe and effective training environment for beginner swimmers to practice skills while still ensuring that instructors can easily supervise the learning process. It allows for the necessary space for swimmers to begin transitioning between different skills or to practice their swimming techniques without feeling overcrowded or confined.

The selection of this distance also takes into account the comfort of novice swimmers, helping them gain confidence as they practice, while still being close enough for instructors to offer support and guidance. Distances that are too far apart could inhibit learning by making it more challenging for swimmers to engage with their instructors or the training equipment, while distances that are too close could lead to overcrowding and increase the risk of accidents. Thus, a 5-10 foot spacing strikes an optimal balance that is conducive to effective learning and safety in swimming instruction.