How Do You Use Garmin for Swimming Laps?

Hey folks…

I’ve been using the Forerunner 255S for my swim workouts, but I’m a bit confused about the best way to use it for tracking laps and other metrics.

When I use the normal swim mode, it often counts extra laps, which isn’t a huge deal since I can manually edit them. But I’m worried that this might mess up other important metrics like training load, training effect, and body battery.

To get more accurate tracking, I tried using drill mode for each lap, and it’s great for speed and distance. However, now I can’t see my average pace, and for some reason, the training load is way off—like, I’ll get a 25 load for 1k using drill mode, but 70 load with normal swim mode.

So, how do you guys make the most out of your Garmin watch when swimming laps? Any tips or settings you find helpful? :wink:

As for me,I just begin my swim workout, go swimming and end it. Track your swimming time, lap count, and other metrics with it later. :smiley:

Hi,
You’re dealing with common issues related to swim tracking on the Forerunner 255S. Here’s a breakdown of the problems and solutions:

Extra Laps in Normal Swim Mode:

  • Calibrate Pool Size: Ensure the pool dimensions are set correctly in your device settings.
  • Consistent Push-Offs: Push off the wall firmly to improve lap detection.
  • Minimize Wall Contact: Reduce contact with pool walls to enhance lap accuracy.

Inaccurate Metrics in Drill Mode:

  • Mode Limitations: Drill mode is meant for technique practice, not detailed data tracking.
  • Heart Rate Variability: Differences in heart rate data between modes might affect training load.
  • Manual Adjustments: Adjust metrics like distance and time manually if needed.

Potential Solutions:

  • Try Both Modes: Use normal swim mode for general workouts and drill mode for technique practice.
  • Manual Corrections: Adjust laps manually if the normal mode overcounts.
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Use a chest strap for more accurate heart rate data.
  • Review Data: Analyze swim data in Garmin Connect for patterns.
  • Update Software: Ensure your Forerunner 255S has the latest updates for potential improvements.

When using the normal pool swim mode, ensure you select the correct pool size (or enter a custom size) before starting your activity. Accurate pool size is crucial for distance calculation. The watch automatically records swim intervals and lengths. Make sure you swim the entire pool length and use consistent stroke types for accurate results. Pause the activity timer during rests to avoid recording extra data.