What defines a "safe swimmer"?

A "safe swimmer" is defined as someone who demonstrates water competency, which encompasses a range of skills and knowledge necessary for safety in aquatic environments. This includes not just the ability to swim but also the capacity to assess risks, manage themselves in the water, and respond effectively to various situations.

Water competency typically involves skills such as floating, treading water, swimming to safety, and understanding how to handle oneself in different water conditions. It highlights the importance of both ability and awareness in maintaining safety while swimming. Elements like swimming speed or the absence of flotation devices can be part of a swimmer's capabilities but do not alone determine safety or competence in the water. Therefore, demonstrating overall water competency is a more comprehensive measure of a "safe swimmer."