Buoy turns and drafting in the pool
Ready when: Swim straight and head-up sighting (b3) done and a coach is on deck.
What the coach teaches
A mock course with lane lines out and 2 to 4 buoys (a big balloon, an inner tube or tied noodles will do); turns on both sides; the rudder turn (the inside arm held straight ahead as a rudder, stroke with the other); later the corkscrew turn (pull, roll onto the back, one backstroke pull, roll back); swim a little wide of the buoy in a group; drafting on a partner's feet about 30 cm back while still sighting; passing wide, never sitting on the hip.
At home, safe only
Nothing in water; talk through the turn on dry land.
Ask the club
Whether they run pool-based open-water awards.
What you can see from the side
The swimmer turns both ways without stopping.
Self-check what the coach confirms
4 rudder turns, 2 each side, with no stop or grab of the buoy.
Stop and get a coach when
Contact causes panic.
Intermediate is done when the coach confirms safe pack skills.
awiseathlete.com/sports/marathon-swimming/marathon-swimming-i3