Why is a swim buddy important?

The importance of having a swim buddy is well articulated by experts such as Jocko Willink and Bill McRaven. Having a swim buddy isn't just about physical support during swimming or training; it extends to emotional and psychological backing in life's turbulent moments. A swim buddy is someone you can trust implicitly, lean on during stressful times, and accept both their support and criticism gracefully. They can tell you hard truths and help keep you grounded, which is invaluable compared to only having people who constantly praise you 1.

In a practical context, Yvonne Ator shares a personal experience from a training session. When she physically struggled, her swim buddies physically supported her and encouraged her to trust and let them help. This highlights the swim buddy's role in accountability and resilience, showing how crucial being able to depend on others is, both physically and emotionally 2.