Is the Apple Watch SE Good for Swimming?

The Apple Watch SE, an entry-level smartwatch from Apple, is known for its affordability and robust feature set. When it comes to swimming, however, the question arises whether this device is well-suited for aquatic activities. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the Apple Watch SE’s swimming capabilities, including its water resistance, fitness tracking features, and overall performance in the water.

Water Resistance: The Apple Watch SE is designed with water resistance up to 50 meters, which means it can handle most swimming conditions including both pool and open water swims. This level of resistance ensures that the watch is protected from water ingress and should work effectively even when submerged. Apple’s water resistance rating indicates that the watch can withstand pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, making it suitable for recreational swimming but not for high-pressure underwater activities like scuba diving.

Swim Tracking Features: When it comes to tracking swimming workouts, the Apple Watch SE offers several features that cater to swimmers. The watch includes built-in sensors that monitor various aspects of your swim, such as:

1. Lap Counting: The Apple Watch SE can automatically detect and count laps, providing you with detailed swim metrics without needing to manually track your progress.

2. Stroke Detection: The watch is capable of recognizing different swimming strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly), which allows for more accurate tracking and performance analysis.

3. Distance and Duration: It tracks the total distance swum and the duration of the swim, helping you to monitor your performance over time.

4. Stroke Count and Efficiency: The watch also provides information on stroke count and efficiency, giving swimmers insights into their technique and helping them improve their form.

5. Heart Rate Monitoring: While underwater, the Apple Watch SE uses a different algorithm to estimate heart rate, although this might not be as precise as when you are on land. This feature is still useful for understanding your overall fitness level and workout intensity.

Usability in Water: The Apple Watch SE is equipped with an “Water Lock” feature that prevents accidental taps and interactions while swimming. Once enabled, this mode locks the screen, making it water-resistant and ensuring that accidental touches do not interrupt your workout. After your swim, you can use the Digital Crown to eject any water from the speaker, which helps maintain the watch’s performance and sound quality.

Comparison to Higher-End Models: While the Apple Watch SE offers a solid set of features for swimming, it does not include some of the advanced functionalities found in the higher-end models like the Apple Watch Series 8 or Ultra. For instance:

• Advanced Swim Metrics: Higher-end models provide more detailed swim metrics and advanced analysis tools for serious swimmers.
• Improved Heart Rate Monitoring: These models often have more accurate heart rate sensors that work better during intense or extended swim sessions.
• Durability: The Apple Watch Ultra, for example, is designed for extreme conditions and offers higher durability and more advanced water resistance features.

Practical Considerations: For casual swimmers and those who are just getting started with tracking their swimming workouts, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent choice. It provides a good balance of features, affordability, and ease of use. However, if you are a competitive swimmer or have specific needs for detailed swim analytics, you might want to consider investing in one of the more advanced models.

User Experience and Reviews: User reviews generally praise the Apple Watch SE for its performance in the water. Swimmers appreciate its ease of use, reliable lap counting, and the ability to track basic swim metrics. However, some users have noted that the heart rate monitoring can be less accurate while submerged, which is a common limitation among many fitness trackers.

Conclusion: The Apple Watch SE stands out as a capable and cost-effective option for those who wish to track their swimming activities without breaking the bank. Its water resistance up to 50 meters, combined with features such as lap counting, stroke detection, and heart rate monitoring, makes it a practical choice for recreational swimmers. For more advanced needs or professional-level tracking, considering higher-end models may be beneficial. Overall, the Apple Watch SE provides a robust set of tools for monitoring and improving your swim workouts, making it a valuable addition to your fitness gear.