What do swim caps help with in swim instruction?

Swim caps primarily aid in keeping hair out of the face, which allows swimmers to focus better on their technique and improve comfort while swimming. With long hair, there can be distractions while swimming, such as hair obstructing vision or tangling in the water. By securing hair under a swim cap, swimmers can maintain better visibility and face less discomfort, leading to a more efficient swimming session.

While some may think that swim caps increase speed due to reduced drag or provide warmth during colder swimming conditions, the primary benefit related to swim instruction is the comfort and practicality of keeping hair managed. Additionally, while swim caps can be color-coded to denote different skill levels in specific contexts, their main function is not to signify skill levels but to enhance the swimming experience.