What does the buoyant force provide to a swimmer in the water?

The buoyant force provides essential assistance to a swimmer by helping them stay afloat in the water. This force is a result of the pressure difference exerted by the water on the swimmer’s body, which counteracts the effects of gravity. When a swimmer enters the water, their body displaces a volume of water equal to their own weight, allowing them to maintain a position at or near the surface without expending excessive energy.

While it is true that buoyancy allows swimmers to float effortlessly when properly positioned, it does not inherently enhance their swim speed or directly assist with diving, as those activities involve other techniques and principles. Moreover, the buoyant force does not relate to the necessity of breathing; swimmers still need to breathe regularly regardless of buoyancy. Therefore, the correct understanding of buoyant force clearly points to its critical role in assisting swimmers with flotation in the water.