The backstroke is one of the most difficult strokes in the pool because you aren’t able to see where the edge of the pool is while you are swimming. Unless you know exactly how many strokes it takes to get across the pool and count your strokes as you swim, you can easily become disoriented and run into the side of the pool or attempt your turn too early. The best way to avoid this is by using swimming pool backstroke flags to let swimmers know they are approaching the end of the pool.

Backstroke Flag Options

When you are outfitting your pool, you will find there are many options for backstroke flags. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, your best option is the generic plastic backstroke flags that are available in 100 foot lengths. These plastic flags come in a variety of color pairings so you can pick your team’s colors or any other color that fits your pool. If you prefer something that is more customized, you can build your own backstroke flags in any length, color and design. All you need is to purchase your customized pennants with logos, letters or pictures, rope and swivel hooks.

Uses for Backstroke Flags

The backstroke flags have a primary purpose of letting swimmers know they are approaching the end of the pool so they don’t become injured and can finish the race or make a turn if necessary. The flags must be suspended from the ceiling across the end of the pool at a regulation five meters from the end of the pool. All swimmers will know that they will need to prepare for the wall when they see these flags over their heads as they swim along on their backs. This provides a visual clue so swimmers can focus on technique, rather than a fear of the end of the pool.

Buying swimming pool backstroke flags that match your swim team or the colors of the event you are hosting is important any time you will hold a backstroke race. Using these flags during practices will also help you swimmers learn what to look for. As long as you place these flags at the regulation length from the edge of the pool — five meters — your swimmers will know just what to do when they see these flags above, no matter where they are. Whether you purchase a premade string or create your own, these flags are a great addition to your pool.