When it comes to swimming, speed is often the name of the game. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer looking to shave seconds off your time or a recreational swimmer trying to improve your overall fitness, tracking your progress can be an important part of achieving your goals.
One way to do this is by measuring your average time to swim 50 yards. Therefore, what is the average time to swim 50 yards?
On average a beginner will swim 50 yards in a time of between 01:13 and 01:38 depending on their age, gender and swimming ability. Advanced swimmer can swim 50 yards in 40 seconds and elite swimmer in 30 seconds or less.
Table of Contents
What is the Average Time to Swim 50 Yards By Age
For a deeper look into the average time to swim 50 yards depending on your age, gender and swimming ability, I’ve created a full table that gives the average swim time for 50 yards in age oder. This table is more beginner swimmers. More advanced swimmers will swim 50 yards faster.
For Males;
| Age | Average Time to Swim 50 Yards (Male) |
| 10-15 | 01:25 |
| 15-20 | 01:14 |
| 20-25 | 01:12 |
| 25-30 | 01:13 |
| 30-35 | 01:13 |
| 35-40 | 01:15 |
| 40-45 | 01:17 |
| 45-50 | 01:21 |
| 50-55 | 01:24 |
| 55-60 | 01:27 |
| 60-65 | 01:30 |
For Females;
| Age | Average Time to Swim 50 Yards (Females) |
| 10-15 | 01:35 |
| 15-20 | 01:24 |
| 20-25 | 01:22 |
| 25-30 | 01:23 |
| 30-35 | 01:24 |
| 35-40 | 01:26 |
| 40-45 | 01:27 |
| 45-50 | 01:31 |
| 50-55 | 01:33 |
| 55-60 | 01:37 |
| 60-65 | 01:38 |
Other Swimming Distances Time you Might Like;
Average Time to Swim 100 Yards
Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Beginner
As a beginner swimmer, you are just starting to get comfortable in the water and learning the basics of swimming. You may be able to swim 50 yards, but it will likely take you longer than more experienced swimmers. On average, beginner swimmers can complete 50 yards in about 1 minute – 3 minutes.
Intermediate Swimmers 50 Yard Time
As an intermediate swimmer, you have a good grasp of the fundamentals and are working on improving your technique and endurance. You may have some experience with competitive swimming or have been swimming regularly for a few months to a year. On average, intermediate swimmers can complete 50 yards in about 40-50 seconds.
Advanced Swimmers 50 Yard Swim Time
As an advanced swimmer, you have a high level of skill and experience in the water. You may have been swimming competitively for several years or have a background in other athletic activities that have helped you develop your swimming ability. On average, advanced swimmers can complete 50 yards in about 30-40 seconds.
50 Yard Swim Time For Elite Swimmers
As an elite swimmer, you are among the best in the world and have dedicated countless hours to training and perfecting your technique. You may have competed at the collegiate or Olympic level and have a deep understanding of the nuances of the sport. On average, elite swimmers can complete 50 yards in about 20-30 seconds.
It’s important to note that these times are just averages and can vary depending on a variety of factors, including age, gender, body type, and swimming ability. Additionally, these times are for freestyle swimming and may differ for other strokes.
Regardless of your current level, with consistent practice and dedication, you can continue to improve your swimming ability and achieve your goals.
Average Times for Different Strokes 50 Yards
Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Backstroke
Backstroke is slower than freestyle, but it is still a popular stroke in swimming competitions. The average time for backstroke over 50 yards is around 01:37.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Backstroke (Male) | Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Backstroke (Female) |
| 10-15 | 01:29 | 01:39 |
| 15-20 | 01:18 | 01:28 |
| 20-25 | 01:16 | 01:26 |
| 25-30 | 01:17 | 01:27 |
| 30-35 | 01:17 | 01:28 |
| 35-40 | 01:19 | 01:30 |
| 40-45 | 01:21 | 01:31 |
| 45-50 | 01:25 | 01:34 |
| 50-55 | 01:29 | 01:37 |
| 55-60 | 01:31 | 01:41 |
| 60-65 | 01:34 | 01:42 |
Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Breaststroke
Breaststroke is the slowest of the three major strokes, but it is still a popular stroke in swimming competitions. The average time for breaststroke 50 yards swim is around 01:42.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Breaststroke (Male) | Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Breaststroke (Female) |
| 10-15 | 01:33 | 01:43 |
| 15-20 | 01:22 | 01:32 |
| 20-25 | 01:20 | 01:30 |
| 25-30 | 01:21 | 01:31 |
| 30-35 | 01:21 | 01:32 |
| 35-40 | 01:23 | 01:34 |
| 40-45 | 01:24 | 01:35 |
| 45-50 | 01:29 | 01:39 |
| 50-55 | 01:33 | 01:41 |
| 55-60 | 01:35 | 01:45 |
| 60-65 | 01:39 | 01:46 |
The average times for different strokes can vary significantly depending on the swimmer’s skill level, training, and physical abilities. However, these averages can provide a useful benchmark for swimmers looking to improve their performance and compete at a higher level.
Average Times for Different Age and Gender Groups
Adults
As an adult, your average time to swim 50 yards can vary depending on several factors, including your age, gender, and level of fitness. The average time for an adult male to swim 50 yards is around 01:13 while the average time for an adult female is around 01:21.
Females
As a female, your average time to swim 50 yards can also vary depending on your age and level of fitness. The average time for a female in her 20s to swim 50 yards is around 01:22, while the average time for a female in her 60s is around 01:38.
Triathletes
If you are a triathlete, your average time to swim 50 yards will likely be faster than the general population. According to Triathlete, the average time for a triathlete to swim 50 yards is between 45 – 25 seconds.
College Swimmers
As a college swimmer, your average time to swim 50 yards will likely be faster than the general population as well. According to CollegeSwimming, the average time for a college male swimmer to swim 50 yards is around 42 seconds, while the average time for a college female swimmer is around 45 seconds.
Overall, the average time to swim 50 yards can vary depending on several factors, including age, gender, level of fitness, and athletic background. It is important to remember that these are just averages and that individual times can vary greatly.
Improving Your Average Time to Swim 50 Yards
If you’re looking to improve your average time to swim 50 yards, there are a variety of training techniques you can use to help you achieve your goals. Here are some of the most effective methods:
1. Training Techniques to Improve Your Time
One of the best ways to improve your swimming time is to practice your technique. This means focusing on proper form and stroke mechanics to make your movements more efficient. You can also work on your breathing technique to help you conserve energy and swim faster.
2. Strength Training for Swimmers
Swimming requires a lot of upper body strength, so incorporating strength training exercises into your workout routine can help you improve your time. Focus on exercises that target your shoulders, back, and arms, such as pull-ups, push-ups, and rows.
3. Cardio and Endurance Training for Swimmers
Cardiovascular and endurance training are also important for improving your swimming time. Incorporate activities like running, cycling, or rowing into your workout routine to help improve your overall fitness level and endurance.
4. Dryland Workouts for Swimmers
Dryland workouts can also be helpful for improving your swimming time. These workouts can help you build strength, improve your flexibility, and prevent injury. Some examples of dryland workouts include yoga, Pilates, and resistance training.
5. Technique and Strokes for Faster Swimming
Improving your technique and strokes can also help you swim faster. Focus on proper breathing technique, body positioning, and stroke mechanics to help you improve your swimming speed and efficiency. You can also work on perfecting different swimming strokes, such as freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke.
By incorporating these training techniques into your workout routine, you can improve your average time to swim 50 yards and become a faster, more efficient swimmer.
Average Time to Swim 50 Yards Summary
The average time to swim 50 yards is highly dependent on individual factors. By focusing on proper technique, maintaining a consistent pace, and incorporating other exercises into your routine, you can work towards improving your swim times and overall fitness level.
Based on the data collected, you can conclude that the average time to swim 50 yards varies greatly depending on various factors such as the swimmer’s experience, stroke technique, and fitness level.
In terms of standards, the B standard for the 50-yard freestyle event is around 01:13 or men and 01:20 for women. However, it’s important to remember that these are just guidelines and that individual times may vary.