What role do the knees play in the defensive swimming position?

In a defensive swimming position, the knees play a crucial role as shock absorbers. When a swimmer is in this position, their knees are drawn up towards the body, which helps to reduce the impact of waves or turbulence created by the water. This helps to stabilize the body and maintain control during potential rescue scenarios or self-rescue efforts. By acting as shock absorbers, the knees help to minimize the risk of injury and allow the swimmer to adjust their position quickly and effectively in reaction to their environment.

The other options do not correctly describe the role of the knees in the defensive swimming position. Propulsion and steering are primarily managed by the arms and legs in a more extended position, rather than through the knees, which focus more on stability and body positioning. While a good swimming position can aid in streamlining, the impact of the knees is more about absorbing shocks rather than maintaining a streamlined shape. Therefore, the primary function of the knees in this context is to absorb shocks from the water.