Which swim stroke is NOT one of the four competitive swim strokes?

The side stroke is not considered one of the four competitive swim strokes. In competitive swimming, the primary strokes include freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. These strokes are specifically regulated by swimming competitions and are standardized in terms of technique and performance requirements.

Freestyle, also known as front crawl, is the fastest stroke and is often the preferred choice in races. Backstroke involves swimming on the back and is unique among the competitive strokes for the position of the swimmer. Butterfly is known for its distinct simultaneous arm and dolphin-like kick movement, making it a challenging stroke.

In contrast, the side stroke is primarily used for recreational swimming and lifeguarding rather than competitive events. It can be less efficient compared to the other strokes in a racing format and lacks the same level of recognition and standardized rules that apply to competitive strokes. This distinction highlights why the side stroke is not included in the list of competition strokes.