dog-paddled
Swam like Fido
Dog-paddled is the past tense of dog-paddle, a basic swimming stroke that mimics how dogs naturally swim.
The swimmer stays mostly upright in the water, moving the arms in alternating circular motions underwater while kicking the legs.
It's typically the first stroke children learn because it keeps the head above water and requires no formal technique.
She dog-paddled to the edge of the pool.
Inexperienced newcomer to field
- learnerOne gaining knowledge
- untrainedLacking learned skills
- first-timeNever previously experienced
- amateurNonprofessional participant
inexperienced · clumsy · awkward · uncoordinated · basic · simple · instinctive · natural
Struggled ineffectively
- splutteredSpoke confusedly, with spraying
- gaspedBreathed in sharply
- thrashedDefeated decisively
- laboredRequiring great exertion
strained · exhausted · desperate · panicked · barely · managed · struggled · choppy
novice
Inexperienced newcomer to field
- learnerOne gaining knowledge
- untrainedLacking learned skills
- first-timeNever previously experienced
amateur · inexperienced · clumsy · awkward · uncoordinated · basic · simple · instinctive · natural · childlike
floundered
Struggled ineffectively
- splutteredSpoke confusedly, with spraying
- gaspedBreathed in sharply
- thrashedDefeated decisively
labored · strained · exhausted · desperate · panicked · barely · managed · struggled · choppy · current
rescue
Save from harm
- adriftFloating without control
- overboardOff a vessel's deck
- lifejacketBuoyant vest for water
shore · safety · drowned · emergency · exhaustion · endurance · reached · escaped · survived
splashed
Struck liquid loudly
treaded · bobbed · stroked · kicked · submerged · surfaced · pool · lake · pond · water