Swim and water activity training and assistance system and method

Abstract

Typically, for new swim students, the most critical prerequisite towards swimming is overcoming the fear of sinking when starting to learn how to swim, by gaining selfconfidence, reducing fear, relaxing their bodies, and getting buoyant on water. Accordingly, a swim and water activity training and assistance apparatus, comprising: an anchoring device configured to support a pulling force exerted by a player in a swimming pool, the anchoring device having a proximal end, and a base affixed to an anchorage neighboring to the swimming pool; a pulling device having a first end affixed to the proximal end of the anchoring device, a second end, and at least a rescue point between the first end and the second end inclusive configured to support a grasping and the pulling force exerted by the player while in the swimming pool is disclosed.

Description

SWIM AND WATER ACTIVITY TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE SYSTEMAND METHODCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[1] This application claims the benefit of domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 592,190, filed October 22, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety’ for all purposesTECHNICAL FIELD[2] Hie example embodiments described herein are generally directed to a swim and water activity training and assistance system and method, and, more particularly, to swim and water activity training and assistance system and method in a controlled environment.BACKGROUND[3] Water activity players and novice swim students frequently face challenges with coordinating breathing, stroke techniques, and staying afloat. Timing breaths while maintaining a steady and efficient stroke rhythm can be difficult, as the body parts of a player have to be in harmony to ensure smooth progress through the water. Additionally, many new swim students must overcome a natural fear of water, which can make the initial stages of learning particularly challenging. The most notable challenges include building confidence in the water, becoming accustomed to being submerged, and learning to stay calm. Overcoming the fear of sinking when starting to leant how to swim, by gaining self-confidence, reducing fear, relaxing their bodies, and getting buoyant on water are critical prerequisites towards swimming. These issues can be addressed with patience, practice, and guidance from a skilled instructor in a controlled environment and with a controlled sinking method.[4] Another significant hurdle involves mastering buoyancy and maintaining proper body alignment. New swim students often struggle to float comfortably and align their bodies efficiently, which is vital for effective swimming. A proper body position helps reduce drag and improve speed, but it can take time to perfect if fear is present. Furthermore, developing the necessary endurance and strength is essential, as swimming is a full-body workout that demands good cardiovascular fitness and muscular stamina. Overcoming these challenges involves gradual progress and self-confidence, which can be achieved through persistent practice with peace of mind when protected by safeguarding and assisting apparatus in the controlled environment.[5] Accordingly, a swim and water activity training and assistance system and method, which works in a controlled environment, would offer a variety of benefits such as helping waler activity players overcome the fear of sinking, relaxing their bodies completely, and getting buoyant on water. The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems discovered by the inventor.SUMMARY[61 In an example embodiment, a swim and water activity training and assistance apparatus, comprising: an anchoring device configured to support a pulling force exerted by a player in a swimming pool, the anchoring device having a proximal end, and a base affixed to an anchorage neighboring to the swimming pool; a pulling device, the pulling device having a first end affixed to the proximal end of the anchoring device, a second end, and at least a rescue point between the first end and the second end inclusive configured to support a grasping and the pulling force exerted by the player while in the swimming pool,[7] In an example embodiment, a swim and water activity training and assistance system, comprising: a swimming pool with a neighboring anchorage and a rescuable water depth, an anchoring device configured to support a pulling force exerted by a player in the swimming pool, the anchoring device having a proximal end, and a base affixed to the neighboring anchorage; and a pulling device, the pulling device having a first end affixed to the proximal end of the anchoring device, a second end, and at least a rescue point between the first end and the second end inclusive configured to support a grasping and the pulling force exerted by the player while in the swimming pool.[81 In an example embodiment, a controlled environment swim and water activity training and assistance method for a player, the method comprising: providing a swim and waler activity training and assistance system, the system including a swimming pool with a neighboring anchorage and a rescuable water depth, an anchoring device affixed on the neighboring anchorage, a pulling device affixed to the anchoring device; adjusting tire angle between the pulling device and the water surface when the pulling device is pulled by the player to meet self-rescue requirement, wherein the adjustment of the angle is based on one or more parameters; adjusting the length of the pulling device to allow' the player to grasp the pulling device with a hand, wherein the pulling device stays at pre-rescue state to allow a free movement of the player while in playing, wherein the pulling device turns into rescue state if pulled by the player for self-rescue, w'herein the adjustment of the length is based on one ormore parameters, allowing the player to apply a pulling force to the pulling device to turn the pulling device into rescue state and carry out a self-rescue, when needed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[9] The details of embodiments of the present disclosure, both as to their structure and operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of the swim and water activity training and assistance system used in a swimming pool, according to an embodiment;

[0011] FIGS, 2A-2H illustrate examples of the components applied in the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the starting position of a player with a waist belt using the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the starting position of a player -without a waist belt using the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0014] FIGS, 5A-5D illustrate an example of the measurements and configuration of swimming pool -with parameters applied in the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate an example of the swim and water activity training and assistance system comprising a portable round swimming pool, according to an embodiment;

[0016] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an example of Practice 1 for a player when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0017] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate alternative examples of Practice 1 for a player wfien practicing with the swim and w'ater activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the force exerted from rope to a player when the player pulls the rope, according to an embodiment;

[0019] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate an example of Practice 2 for a player when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0020] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate an example of Practice 3 for a player when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0021] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate an example of Practice 4 for a player when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0022] FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate an example of Practice 5 for a player when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system; according to an embodiment;

[0023] FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate an example of Practice 6 for a player when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0024] FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate an example of Practice 7 for a player when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment;

[0025] FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate an example of how a player can stand up from sitting position on a swimming pool floor while holding a rope, according to an embodiment;

[0026] FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate related measurements and parameters used for calculation on length of the rope for Practice 1 to 4, according to an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates related measurements and parameters used for calculation on how the lengths of different parts of the rope change after hand-climbing steps, according to an embodiment;

[0028] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate related measurements and parameters used for calculation on length of the rope for Practice 5 to 7, according to an embodim ent;

[0029] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate an example of length of the rope when the rope’s first end is affixed at pool edge, according to an embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a neighboring anchorage of the swimming pool, according to an embodiment; and

[0031] FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate an example of a mechanization and automation of the swim and water activity training and assistance system and related benefit, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various embodiments, and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. Tire detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in simplified form for brevity of description. In addition.it should be understood that the various components illustrated herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. In other words, the features disclosed in various embodiments may be implemented using different relative dimensions within and between components than those illustrated in the drawings.

[0033] The disclosed embodiment is superior in helping new swim students and water activity players overcome the fear of sinking when starting learning how to swim or practice any applicable water activity or activities, by gaining self-confidence, reducing fear, relaxing their bodies and getting buoyant on water, which is the most difficult and critical prerequisite towards swimming. Abilities to float and swim are among key surviving skills in water activities,

[0034] In this description, "‘water activity” comprises swim, other water activity and water sports, such as but not limited to water polo, and other activities performed in a water environment, such as but not limited to standing, squatting, walking, running, dancing, even performing a job, etc. The word activity is used to indicate a type of activity of the water activity defined above. The noun “player” includes player, learner, trainee, student, exerciser, worker, or a robot performing movements, etc., of water activity. The verb “play” and “playing” includes “being trained”, “self-train”, “practice” “exercise”, and “play for fun”, “work”, etc., related to water activity. The described embodiment is applicable to the previously mentioned, based on the principles disclosed in this embodiment, which will enable those who are skilled in the art to determine how to apply this embodiment to various water activity activities.

[0035] Tire system and method described in this description is called as “swim and water activity training and assistance system and method”, where “training” means the system and method can make a training or learning process possible, easier, safer, faster, etc., and “assistance” means the system and method can provide an assisting role for player to play a whaler activity by supporting, enabling and / or safeguarding against risk or danger, etc. Tire word “assistance” does not mean a system or method is only temporarily needed or is usually redundant, it means it plays an assisting role, but it could be a standardized and necessary component for an activity. For example, a spoon is an assisting tool for eating, but at least for some people, it is always needed for each meal all the time.

[0036] In this description, w7e will use the swim learning process of a new swim player, who does not know how7to swim before, as examples to describe the features and usages of the system and method, because swam is a central component and necessary7surviving skill for almost all kinds of w ater activity, and the learning process of swim covers many challenges in learning or playing other type of water activity. We will show7how the described system andmethod can help in overcoming those challenges, and, based on the described principles, the system and method can be applied or adapted to overcome similar or different challenges encountered in applicable types of water activity, by those who are skilled in the art.

[0037] The embodiment disclosed is directed to let a player experience a controlled sinking under a controlled environment and learn how to self-rescue from the controlled sinking, so that player will not fear sinking in the controlled environment anymore. In this way, the fear of sinking can be reduced, and i t becomes possible for player to focus on relaxing player own body in water, and to experience the effect of getting buoyant on water as long as player relaxes player’s own body completely while holding breath or exhaling.

[0038] All of these goals can be achieved with the help of a swim and water activity training and assistance system, including some apparatuses and a well-controlled training and playing environment.

[0039] In this description, swimming pool means an area in the swimming pool, or an area with water body for swim or other water activity, portable or fixed, man-made or in the nature. Similar to a deck of a swimming pool, we use the word “anchorage” to refer to a broader type of items like a deck. In this description, a neighboring anchorage of a swimming pool is defined as an anchorage next to swimming pool, such as, but not limited to, a deck, a wall, a shore of a body of water, or a secured structure at the ceiling of the room for swimming pool, such as a beam, which can support sufficient pulling force from the players through a type of connection, which will be shown later. Deck, decking structure and decking area will be used exchangeable. An affixed island of a proper size in the middle of a swimming pool can also be considered as a neighboring anchorage for the swimming pool area nearby.

[0040] Arm or arms, body, waist, leg or legs, and hand or hands are referred to the player’ s, and player is assumed to be playing in a swimming pool, unless indicated otherwise. X-to-Y indicates the straigh t-line distance between 2 points, X and Y. Words of emerge and emerged refer to the condition that the player’s head is above water and player is able to breathe normally.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of the swim and water activity training and assistance system used in a swimming pool 110, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the swim and water activity training and assistance system comprises a pulling device, such as but not limited to a rope 101, with a first end 122 and a second end 123, first connector 102 and second connect 103, a waist belt 104, and a rigid pole 114. Further, in FIG. 1, swimming pool 110 includes floor 111, wall 112, pool edge 116, and decking structure 113. Wall 112 will also be referred as poolside. There is a fixed or portable rigid pole 114 mountedon decking structure 113, and rigid pole 114 is so rigid that it never topples or collapses due to pulling or pushing by any 1 or more persons in any expected ways without any additional tool. Rope 101 is an example of the pulling device of the system, which is attached to rigid pole 1 14 through first connector 102 at the rope’s first end 122, and attached with waist belt 104 worn by player 120 through second connector 103 at the rope’s second end 123. Water surface 115 indicates the surface of water in swimming pool 110.

[0042] Rigid pole 114 is an example of an anchoring device, and decking structure 1 13 is an example of a neighboring anchorage, in the swim and water activity training and assistance system .

[0043] The pulling device is the rescuing component in the system, which could be but not limited to rope 101 as an example, and could alternatively be but not limited to a type of chain or cordage, such as hand-friendly metal chain, cord, cable, string and lanyard, etc., that has the functionalities described in this description for the pulling device . In the remaining parts of this description, word rope and rope 101 are used as the representation of the pulling device, and required and optional functionalities and configurability of the rope described are applied to the pulling devices applicable for the swim and water activity training and assistance system, as required and optional functionalities and configurability’, respectively.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a practice environment for player 120. There are 3 main points. Firstly, by selecting the appropriate location in pool 110 with appropriate water depth, player 120 can stand stably and relaxingly on pool floor 1 1 1. Secondly, in this example, the first point above is achievable if maximal water depth of this utilized swimming pool 110 area is at the player’s comfortable level between the player’s waist height and armpit height when player 120 stands on pool floor 111. Thirdly, the player’s head and arms completely above water surface 115 when player 120 stands on the pool floor I I I .

[0045] These 3 points as mentioned above are referred to as “Position Requirement Pl” condition in the remaining description, which is also a requirement of this system on the water depth for player 120 as a new swim student. In this example, the maximal water depth is selected to be above the player’ s waist because too shallow water area makes buoyancy practice difficult. With the player’s head and arms completely above water surface 115, it ensures that the player’s head emerges immediately whenever player 120 is able to stand upright on pool floor 1 1 1.

[0046] Additionally in Fig. I, one hand 121 of player 120 grasps rope 101 because rope 101 is the rescuing component when player 120 starts feeling loss of balance or sinking. During entire period of any suggested practice in this specification, for any player 120 as a new swimstudent, it is required that at least one hand of the player grasps rope 101 at any given time. If player 120 initially holds rope 101 with left or right hand, respectively, the second connector 103 to attach rope 101 to waist belt 104 should also be at left or right waist, respectively, to minimize the interference of the rope to player 120.

[0047] Rope 101 has proper thickness with proper frictional surface so that the player’s hand. As an example, player 120 can grasp rope 101 and pull rope 101 firmly to obtain force to keep player 120 upright and towards poolside, no matter if tire hand-grasping part of rope 101 is above or under water, like someone pulls rope to climb up rope in rope climbing sport. Alternatively, a player can wear a glove with a frictional surface to obtain proper friction during use of rope if needed. When player 120 continuously pulls rope 101 with arms towards player 120 self, rope 101 eventually becomes straight and tight, and player 120 obtains a reaction force from pole 114 through rope 101 to pull player 120 towards pole 114 and poolside. For simplicity, we will say that player 120 obtains force from rope 101. Rope 101 is strong enough, never broken or damaged if pulled by any 1 or 2 persons, e.g., break strength is greater than around 227 kg (500 pounds) or higher, like rope used for rope climbing sport.

[0048] The break strength of the rope 101 should be sufficient, and the integrity of the system need be secured, based on the principles described in this description, which requires that the anchoring device, the rope 101, their connections, the affixing of the base and the anchorage should securely support the pulling force exerted by player or players 120, never toppling, collapsing or breaking down during all expected circumstances of uses in a playing environment, including but not limited to the pulling by player or players 120.

[0049] Rope 101 is not to be corroded by water in swimming pool 110, to avoid unexpected collapse. Rope 101 is floatable on water as an option, which makes rope 101 more visible in the swimming pool 110 for player 120 and other helpers or lifeguards. And a floatable rope has higher chances during use to stay at water surface, fewer chances to interfere with the legs of player 120. In all drawings, we assume rope 101 is floatable for simplicity.

[0050] Such rope 101 is commercially available in the market, such as the ropes for rope climbing sports or water and boating sports, etc. A detailed description about the length of rope 101 will be provided with FIG. 17A.

[0051] FIGS. 2A-2H illustrate examples of the components applied in the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment, FIG, 2A shows an example ho w rope 101 is attached to pole 114 through first connector 102 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2A, the rope’s first end 122 is tied into first knot 105, which is buckled securely with a Locking D-Shaped first Biner 106, and Biner 106 is buckled with the first iron ring 107, whichis mounted on pole 114 rigidly in certain way. Here, first iron 107 is an example of the fixture used to affix the first end 122 of rope 101 to pole 114, as an example of an anchoring device. There can be many other ways to securely tie, tether, or affix the first end 122 of rope 101 with an anchoring device, such as but not limited to pole 114, with or without a fixture, as long as the first end 122 of rope 101 connecting to the anchoring device will stay bound with the anchoring device and will not move or slip relatively against the anchoring device during use. Without loss of generalization, in the following description, we assume there is a fixture used to affix the first end 122 of rope 101 to pole 114, to demonstrate the relationships among the anchoring device, the rope and the optional fixture. lire re can be many other types of fixtures applicable if a fixture is used. There can be many other types of fixed or portable poles applicable if a pole is used, and there can be many other ways to mount an anchoring device on an anchorage, such as but not limited to decking structure 113 or pool edge 116.

[0052] FIG. 2B shows an example of how the rope’s second end 123 is attached to waist belt 104 through second connector 103 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2B, the rope’s second end 123 is tied into second knot 108, which is buckled securely with a locking D-shaped second biner 109, and second biner 109 is buckled through the quick-release key chain 130 with second ring 131, whereas second ring 131 is affixed to w’aist belt 104. Every’ connection including waist belt 104 should be strong enough so that any player 120 can never break or lose any part of the connections w ith own force without property unlocking or unbuckling tire rings or biners (first biner 106 and / or second biner 109). The quick release key chain 130 is optionally used so that rope 10 lean be separated from player 120 quickly when needed during emergency, for example. There can be many other ways to securely attach rope 101 to waist belt 104.

[0053] Because the length of rope 101 is critical for the device to work properly, FIG. 2C shows that two shorter ropes can be connected through a third locking D-shaped biner 132 to form a longer rope and be used as rope 101, to meet requirements on rope length described later. When needed, third biner 132 should be added at a proper position of the combined rope 101 so that player’s hand will never reach third biner 132 during practice, otherwise, biner 132 will cause pain for the player’s hand and might result in injury'. There can be many other ways to connect two ropes to form a longer rope. Similar connecting method can be used to connect two or more pieces of ropes to have desired total length.

[0054] FIG, 2D and 2E show’ that a player 120 should grasp rope 101 firmly with one hand 121 at beginning of the practice. When player 120 grasps rope 101, rope’s first end 122 connected to pole 114 should be at its thumb side of the hand, and the second end 123 of rope 101 connected to waist belt 104 should be at tire little finger side of the hand. This is oneeffective way for rope-pulling and for hand-climbing for self-rescue as described below. This is implemented whether player 120 uses left hand or right hand, and whether the hand holds rope 101 vertically (as shown in FIG. 2D) or horizontally (as shown in FIG. 2E).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2E, “Contact Point”, such as QI, Q2 and Q3, is a point on the body of rope 101 itself, e.g., a point on rope 90cm away from the first end 122 of the rope, when the rope is straight. When player 120 grasps rope 101 at Contact Point QI , it means grasping it firmly and not allowing the hand to slip to either Contact Point Q2 or Q3, to ensure accurate positioning of grasping on rope because the positioning is needed for self-rescue as explained later.

[0056] FIG , 2F and FIG. 2G show examples of some enhancement for the second end 123 of rope 101, when applicable and needed, as shown later for FIGS. 8A to 8C. As shown in FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G, respectively, a knot 141 is formed at the second end 123 with a plastic tube 142, or a metal ring 143 is attached to the second end 123, for easier and stabler grasping and pulling for vertical lifting with a hand by player 120. In these two examples, the second end of rope 101 is used as a contact point, and also an applicable “rescue point”, which will be defined later.

[0057] FIG , 2H shows another example of the anchoring device similar to rigid pole 1 14 in FIG. 1, but rigid pole 114 in FIG. 2H has an arm 148 extended to above the w7ater area, allowing rope 101 to be hung vertically over water, which additionally makes it easier for the player to pull the rope and lift self up vertically and get emerged, as needed under some circumstances, as shown later.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the starting position of player 120 with waisi belt 104 using tire swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment, FIG, 3 illustrates the “Starting Position” of a player 120 using the system, including the follow7ing conditions. A player 120 should stand upright, stably, and relaxingly on pool floor 111, with maximal water depth at the player’s comfortable level between player’s waist height and armpit height w7hen player 120 stands on pool floor 111 , with the player’s arms and head completely above water surface 115, and face towards the first end 122 of rope 101 affixed to pole 114 through fixture, with one hand 121 grasping but not pulling rope 101, which stays loose, lire other hand is settled at a comfortable position but not grasping rope 101. These conditions as listed above for “Starting Position” together are referred to as “Position Requirement P2” in tire remaining description. For a new7swim student to practice underwater movement, it is always safer to face towards the first end 122 of rope 101. But, for some other activities, as show n in FIG. 1, the standing player 120 canalso use one hand to grasp rope 101 at side, and the standing player 120 can still pull rope 101 to obtain balancing force to prevent falling as needed.

[0059] In FIG. 3 and the remaining figures, boxes 301 and 302 represent respectively first connector 102 and second connector 103, including related fixtures, additional connectors, and knots (first knot 105 and / or second knot 108) if applicable, as shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, to simplify the drawings. At beginning of practice, when self-rescue is not needed and rope101 is grasped but not pulled, rope 101 should be loose between the box 301 and player’s hand 121, and loose as well between player’s hand 121 and the box 302, to allow free movement of the hand. For simplicity, instead of saying “in the direction of the installed first end 122 of the rope” or “in the direction of pole 1 14 or poolside”, we will say “towards Box 301”, and use “Box 301” to indicate the installed location of pole 114 and the first end 122 of rope 101 as well. It should be noted that the distance from a location in swimming pool 110 to wall 1 12 or poolside may mean the distance from the location in swimming pool 110 to wall 112 or poolside in the direction of Box 301, unless indicated otherwise. “Position Requirement P2” does not include wearing of waist belt 104, because wearing waist belt 104 is optional, although it is beneficial for novice player 120.

[0060] FIG , 4 illustrates an example of the starting position of player 120 without waist belt 104 using the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of player 120 without a waist belt 104. In FIG. 4, player 120 is expected to be capable of grasping rope 101 with at least one hand 121 without losing rope 101 during entire practice. If player 120 is not capable of doing so, player 120 is preferred to wear waist belt 104 to keep rope 101 with player 120 all the time.

[0061] The benefit of wearing a waist belt 104 is that rope 101 is always connected with player’s waist belt 104, Even if the player’s hand loses rope 101, or in some water activities player 120 intentionally drop rope 101 of a period of time, it is still possible for player 120 to find and re-grasp rope 101 and continue practice or perform the self-rescue described later; Additionally, this can be also used to rescue or assist rescuing player 120 by other people pulling player 120 to poolside or shallower water area to get emerged, by pulling waist belt 104 connected rope 101 from decking area, when needed and when it is safe to do so.

[0062] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an example of the measurements and configuration of swimming pool 110 with parameters applied in the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are top-down view and sectional view respectively of a typical swimming pool, which includes the “Shallow Area” (marked as “LI”), “Medium Depth Area” (marked as “L2”) and “Deep Area” (marked as1.3"). The area between Rectangle 402 and 403 indicates a decking area, surrounding the pool in this example . Pole 114 is installed in the decking area next to the Shallow Area L 1. Pole 114 may be placed at anywhere in the shaded area 404 around the Shallow Area LI, so that when player 120 continuously pulls rope 101 and moves as directed by rope 101, no matter player 120 is submerged or emerged, player 120 naturally come to shallower, safer poolside area. Area 405 indicates the optional stairs towards the swimming pool.

[0063] At the Shallow area, the starting depth (marked as “DI” in FIG. 5B) is expected to be between 84 cm (33 inches) to 122 cm (48 inches), according to a recent swimming pool standard. For example, a swim player 120 with height of 119 cm (47 inches) or so may choose a starting location within LI area with DI as 84 cm (33 inches) deep to meet “Position Requirement Pl”, as shown in FIG. 1. A taller player 120 may choose a relatively deeper (as indicated by Line Bl between FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B and Depth B2 (B2>D1) in FIG. 5B) location 401 in 1,2 area as shown in FIG, 5 A to meet “Position Requirement Pl”, but still stay at spot as shallow as possible facing towards pole 114 and Box 301. When the player 120 chooses location 401 as starting location, player 120 will only move towards pole 114, and, within such path, the water depth never exceeds the depth indicated by “B2” in FIG. 5B.

[0064] A shorter player 120 such as a child may find shallower swimming pool 1 10 specifically built for younger children in order to meet “Position Requirement Pl”. And, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, additionally, there exist several different slope configurations among swimming pools 110 to choose from, to ease the selection to meet “Position Requirement Pl”.

[0065] For different practice, a player 120 might need to choose different location with suitable water depth, in the same sw imming pool or in a different swimming pool, because, for example, in order to keep head and arms completely above the water when player 120 squats, compared to the player’s standing posture, a location at shallow er water area is needed. It is also possible to add certain types of heavy-thanwvater elevation object on pool floor to adjust the w ater depth of the selected pool area, if needed and if it is safe to do so.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5D, Hi is player’s height, H2 is player’s total height from foot to fist with arms stretched straight-up over his or her head, and II3 is the combined length of the player’s arm and fist. H4 is the player’s length of lower arm, from elbow' to fist. During buoyancy practice as shown in FIG. 5D, swimming pool’s length L4 of available space (in the direction to Box 301) should be greater than H2 by at least about 30cm ( I feet) to 91cm (3 feet), which is referred to as “Pool Length Requirement”, and its width, for example, can be flexibly at least 3 to 5 times of the player’s arm length H3, in order to provide sufficient room for practice. We call the requirement on the length and width “Minimal Pool Size Requirement”,although some non-buoyancy practices may use smaller swimming pool area. ‘"SI” in FIG. 5D and all other figures always indicates player’s “Initial Standing Location” at beginning of practice, which is adjustable. Tire minimal distance from SI to pool wall 1 12 in direction of Box 301 can be set as long as aim Length FL or greater. Player 120 can select pool area’s size and adjust SI as needed in other ways, the goal is to allow room for player 120 to move, preventing the body or hands from hitting wall in any direction unexpectedly. It is important that the maximal water depth D3 of the entire practice area indicated by L4 should always meet “Position Requirement Pl”, as shown in FIG. 5D.

[0067] Accordingly, for the novice swim player’s practice using this system, player 120 only needs a limited pool area. The dashed square 407 in FIG. 5A is an example of such a limited but sufficient area. Additionally, when the player’s practice is limited within such area, it is closer to poolside and, therefore, safer with less fear.

[0068] As a result, it is realizable to implement such a swim and water activity training and assistance system with a swimming tub or a portable or inflatable swimming pool with limited size, as long as its width, length and depth all meet the requirements for the given player 120.

[0069] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example of the swim and water activity training and assistance system comprising a portable round swimming pool, according to an embodiment, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are top-down view and sectional view' respectively of a portable round swimming pool, with its round wall 503 and enclosed area 504 filled with water. There is portable rigid pole 501 with fixture 506 at location 502 outside of pool, mounted on ground, as the anchorage. The mounting can be done by putting sufficient sandbags on top of the pole’s base, for example, to prevent it from toppling. Player’s SI is selected at location 505 in FIG. 6A, based on principles described above, considering the room for playing, including “Pool Length Requirement”, and then the diameter of the pool, L5, can be selected. Tire w'ater depth B3 in FIG. 6B can be set up to meet “Position Requirement Pl” for the given player 120. It is also possible to add certain types of heavy-than-water elevation object on pool floor to adjust the water depth of the entire or partial enclosed pool area 504, if needed and if it is safe to do so.

[0070] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an example of Practice 1 for player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. In Practice I, the player 120 learns that the force used to pull rope 101 continuously by his or her arms actually causes rigid pole 114 through rope 101 to exert a reaction force to pull player 120 towards box 301. In other w ords, it can pull the underw ater player 120 to the safer direction and location, to the shallow7water area and poolside where player 120 can land on pool floor111 by feet properly and get emerged easily and quickly. When player 120 is very close to poolside, player 120 can reach out arm and grab pool edge 116 by hand to get support, and land by feet and get emerged, as an additional way of self-rescuing. We call this method as “Arm- Reaching Rescue”. If Box 301 is installed higher than the player’s head, the force from rope 101 also helps lifting and keeping the underwater player 120 up and preventing player 120 from falling on pool floor 11 1 and geting drowned,

[0071] In this practice, player 120 intends to become familiar with this process by practicing it with arms and head above water first. As shown in FIG. 7A, for Step 1, player 120 starts with SI meeting “Position Requirement P2” and away from box 301 as far as H2 or more, for example. Tire player’s left arm stretches out and grasps (by the hand) firmly rope 101 at contact point 510 of the rope. For Step 2, as shown in FIG. 7B, player’s left hand keeps grasping at contact point 510 and left arm pulls rope 101 down towards waist, as a result, rope 101 becomes straight and tight, while such effect is made possible by selecting proper length of rope 101 that will be described in detail later for FIG. 17A. For Step 3, as shown in FIG. 7C, the player’s right leg moves forward, the right hand quickly grasps rope 101 at contact point 511, and then both arms pull rope 101 towards w aist again, as a result, player 120 moves closer to Box 301, and the right hand and contact point 51 1 are both lowered, as shown in FIG. 7D. Continuing with Step 4, player’s left leg moves forward, and the left hand quickly grasps rope 101 at contact point 512 as shown in FIG. 7D , and both arms pull rope 101 towards waist again,

[0072] Hie hand movement described above is similar to that during up-slope rope climbing, where rope is hung from the top of the slope, and the climber climbs up rope by hands’ grasping and pulling rope continuously while teetering up on the slope towards top of the slope, with right and left hands moving up and forward alternatively, as just described above through contact points of 510, 51 1 , and 512 sequentially. In the remaining description, we will call this type of hands and arms’ grasping and pulling optionally accompanied with legs and body’s movement as “hand-climbing”, where such hand pulling can be performed horizontally, vertically, or atilt depending on positioning of rope, and every' time the hand pulls down rope or the hand grasps a new further contact point, such as from 510 to 511, we call it a “hand- climbing step”. In real practice, every step of hand-climbing may have different climbing length or walking distances, and the hand-climbing steps can be performed several times continuously with two hands moving forward alternatively until tire underwater player 120 stands on pool floor 111 and gets emerged, or the player’s safety is secured in certain way during self-rescue.

[0073] In the process described in FIG. 7B to 7D, the part of rope 101 between box 301 and the top hand grasping position (e.g., 511 at FIG. 7C and 512 at FIG. 7D) becomes shorter and shorter (“301”-to-”512” < “30r’-to-”511”). Player 120 continues such “hand-climbing” movement and finds that the hands will have to move up along rope 101 and the pulling force from arms naturally starts helping to lift player 120 up and keep player 120 upright, which also helps player 120, to land on pool floor 11 1 by feet securely and stand up steadily, and to get emerged if previously submerged.

[0074] In this practice, the initial distance for SI away from Box 301 could be adjusted by player 120 from shorter to longer within the defined swimming pool 110 area as shown in FIG. 5D. With longer initial distance, player 120 can experience longer continuous hand-climbing movements with water resistance, to become more familiar and confident for such resistance and movements for future practice. Different SI locations might require adjustment of rope 101 length, which will be described later.

[0075] In real practice for buoyancy, it should be set up so that, when self-rescue is needed, the underwater player 120 will take only 1 hand-climbing step or 1 pull-down of rope lOlfor rope 101 to become straight and tight to start exerting pulling force for player 120, as shown in FIG. 7B, so that the underwater player 120 can rely on rope 101 immediately without panic, and leverage the pulling force from rope 101 to get landed and emerged within the time the underwater player 120 can still hold breath. We call this requirement “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement”. From Step 2 as shown in FIG. 7B to Step 4 as shown in FIG. 7D, rope 101 continuously stays straight and tight, because player 120 performs the “hand-climbing” continuously once started and until getting emerged in this example. Player 120 can start hand- climbing when self-rescue is needed or practiced. At other times, player 120 keeps rope 101 loose as shown in FIG. 7A and is encouraged to perform necessary’ practicing steps without relying on rope 101. For simplicity, we define the followings. As shown in FIG. 7A, the state of rope 101, when the part of rope 101 between Box 301 and hand-grasping point, e.g. 510, being loose, is defined as rope’s “Pre-Rescue State”, and player’s correspondent position of hands, arms and body to grasp rope and keep rope loose is defined as “Hand’s Pre-Rescue Position”, including the relative distance of the rope-grasping hand from pool wall 112, w ater surface 115, etc. For Pre-rescue state, the rope may be straight or curved but is not pulled and is not tight.

[0076] As show' n in FIG. 7B, the state of rope, when the part of rope 101 between Box 301 and hand-grasping point, e.g. 510, being straight and tight, and exerting force to the player, is defined as rope’s “Rescue State”; and the player’s correspondent position of hands, arms andbody to grasp and pull rope to keep rope straight and tight is defined as “Hand’s Rescue Position”, including the relative distance of the rope-grasping hand from pool wall 112, water surface 115, etc.; Additionally, the correspondent contact point 510 of rope is defined as “Rope’s Rescue Point”, which is the contact point allowing one-step switching from “Hand’s Pre-Rescue Position” to “Hand s Rescue Position” and vice versa, to meet “1-Hand-Climbing- Step Requirement”. Any contact point is also a “rope’s rescue point” if it is chosen by player 120 as a contact point for grasping and pulling, and at that time rope 101 is at rescue state. So, there can be many rescue points of the rope when player 120 pulls rope many times, for example, with two hands alternatively.

[0077] “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” is preferred for novice swim and water activity players. However, if two or more hand-climbing steps are needed for rope 101 to become straight and tight, rope 101 can still play the rescuing role, as long as player 120 can perform the hand-climbing steps until rope 101 turns straight and tight and can continue with self-rescuing steps without panic within tire time player 120 is able to hold breath.

[0078] Player 120 needs to get familiar and fast for the walking, hand moving, grasping, and pulling by repeated practice, so that these steps can be completed in a short time, for example, within the time player 120 is able to hold breath if undewater.

[0079] In this description, without loss of generality, emerged state can be defined as when a player’s mouth and / or nose are above water surface and the player can at least once take in breath without inhaling water. Submerged state can be defined as when player’s mouth and nose are under water surface and the player cannot take in breath without inhaling water. Self- rescue is defined as a set of movement (of hand, leg, body, head, etc., by pulling rope or other movement, single or combined movements, etc.), including but not limited to, to switch player self to emerged state from submerged state, and to stop player self from sinking or falling to swimming pool floor, and to restore balance of body, or any one or two or more of the switching, stopping and restoring as listed above or other rescuing actions, as needed, within time player can hold breath. Activity State is defined as when player is playing water activity itself. Activity state and the state of performing self-rescue can be concurrent or interleaved.

[0080] The requirement on maximal water depth in “Position Requirement Pl” is an example of rescuable water depth. In this description, rescuable water depth is defined as the highest water depth for an acti vity for a given player so that the water depth is shallow enough to allow the player to perform timely self-rescue without panic or danger, such as, but not limited to, short of breath, inhaling water, falling to pool floor, and getting drowned, etc.

[0081] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate alternative examples of Practice 1 for player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. For rescuable water depth, besides the example described for “Position Requirement Pl” above, FIG. 8A and 8B illustrate another example, according to an embodiment. In this example, with curvy rigid pole 114, while rope 101 is vertically hung down, the rescuable water depth can be just overhead of player 120 when the more experienced player 120 is standing on the pool floor 111 for practice, and the player’s right arm is stretched up and the player’s right hand keeps grasping the ring connected to the second end of rope 101, with the player’s right elbow close to water surface, as shown in Fig. 8A, and tire player 120 can use right arm by pulling down rope 101 once to lift one’s self up and get emerged for self- rescue, as shown in Fig. 8B.

[0082] An experienced swimmer can have deeper rescuable water depth, for example, if player 120 wants to practice swimming in incrementally deeper water area where he or she has never been to, this can be done with the swim and w atcr activity training and assistance system with a desired water depth and properly configured rope setting, as shown in FIG. 7 A with deeper water area and longer rope, and player 120 can cany the rope and can use the rope for self-rescue any time as needed, as safeguarding. So, the rescuable wnter depth is determined by one or more of the following at least 5 factors:1) The body measurement, including height, armpit height and waist height, and tire lengths of arms and legs of pl ayer 120;2) A positioning to water of player 120 during the played activity, where the positioning to w ater is defined as one of the conditions such as, but not limited to, being horizontally submerged as for normal swimming, mostly standing on pool floor, or being vertically submerged, etc,, during activity' state;3) A duration player 120 can hold breath;4) An implementable self-rescue procedure, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A and 8B, including “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement”; and5) A skill level of player 120 for the played activity, including the speed of swimming of the player, for example.

[0083] Under the situation as shown in Fig. 8B, it is preferrable for some players to use twn hands for lifting up, which is doable, as shown in Fig. 8C, where two anchoring devices 144 and 145 can be provided with one rope U2 each, so that player 120 can grasp the tw o ropes by two hands through the optional rings 146 and 147 for easier grasping and pulling for lifting up for self-rescue. FIGs, 8A to 8C are examples where angle between rope 101 and the wntersurface is 90 degrees, maximally effective for vertical lift-up, as explained later for FIG. 9. The anchoring device shown in FIG. 2H can also be alternative anchoring device used in the applications shown in FIGs. 8A to 8C. For FIG. 8A to 8C, the second end of rope is also used as a rescue point.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the force exerted from rope 101 to a player 120 when player 120 pulls rope 101, according to an embodiment. It should be understood that, when the first end of rope 101 is installed at location higher than the player’s pulling hand, as shown in FIG. 9, pulling down rope 101 has tlie equivalent effect to wearing floatation device such as life ring used in swimming pool 110, because both provide extra force to help player 120 to get emerged or stay emerged. Without loss of generality, according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 shows that, when player 120 pulls rope 101 downwards, rope 101 also pulls player 120 with force Fl, and Fl (combined) = F2 (up) + F3 (forward). Additionally, F4 = "up pushing floating force from water to the player", because some portion of the player’s body and what player 120 wears or carries may be under water. Assuming force Wl = "the player’s weight including optional load that the player carries", then, when (F2 + F4) >== Wl, the player’s head and body can move up to get emerged and stay emerged. Above is true and valid no matter if the player’s head is above water or under water. When player's 120 head is above water, F4 will be relatively smaller, but player 120 can increase F2 by applying larger force, and meet (F2 + F4) >=W1. Then, player 120 can keep head above water and breathe freely. We call this condition by pulling rope to allow player to keep head above water and breathe freely in middle of water without landing on pool floor, as “Buoyancy-by-Lifting-Force”.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 9, the angle P is defined as the angle between the rope 101 and water surface when the rope is at rescue state. To summarize, pulling down rope 101 can keep player 120 in emerged state and / or moving forward, as long as player can continue grasping and pulling the rope as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, where angle P is 90 degrees for maximal effectiveness for lift-up, or can continue hand-climbing with two hands with sufficient force, as shown in FIG. 9, where angle P is configured properly greater than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees, with additional caution that the force F 1 will last only if the player keeps hand- climbing on the rope. If the player stops hand-climbing and the rope becomes loose, force Fl will disappear.

[0086] The lift-up force F2 = Fl * sin (P) in the scalar sense, the Inequality’ above becomes F2 = (Fl * sin (p)) >= (Wl- F4), to be called as “Force and Angle Inequality.” We can get “Force Observation 1” that, to achieve same amount of force F2, if the angle P is larger or smaller, force Fl need be smaller or larger, respectively. Ihe “Force Observation 1” can beused to configure the angle p to meet intended goals, such as tire inequality above. The initial angel P could be calculated as p >= arcsin ( (W1-F4) / Fl ), by estimating forces Wl, F4 and Fl . It should be noted that angle P will become larger and larger when player 120 moves closer and closer to the box 301, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0087] FIG. 10A-10D illustrate an example of Practice 2 for player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. After player 120 can perform Practice 1 smoothly and fast without any fear or hesitation, player 120 can move to Practice 2, as shown in FIG. 10A. Player 120 begins with position meeting “Position Requirement P2” with appropriate S 1 except that player 120 should select a shallower water area for this practice, so that when squatting down, as shown in FIG. 10A, player’s head and arms are still completely above water. As next step as shown in FIG. 10B, player 120 starts hand-climbing as described for FIG. 7B to 7D, with larger force to switch from squatting position to standing position, to experience the lifting and balancing effect from rope 101 when pulling with both arms, which facilitates the player’s effort to stand up and walk towards Box 301, as described for FIG. 7D. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C and 10D, player 120 should repeat Practice 2 with water depth meeting “Position Requirement P2”, but starts with arms and head submerged when player 120 squats down (as shown in FIG, 10C), which additionally requires player 120 for proper control of breath. For breath control, player 120 will start with standing position, take a breath-in, hold breath, and start squatting down slowly and steadily until submerged, then practice the steps as described for FIG, 10A and 10B under water, holding breath until standing up and getting emerged, and then breathe normally again. In the process of getting submerged, the floating force from the water could cause unbalancing for player 120, and player 120 should try patiently to hold the feet on pool floor 111 and optionally pull rope 101 to help keeping balanced as well. (Here, we assume that player 120 is nervous with body stressed, so the player will easily sink. Optionally, exhaling some air out will help the player to sink preparedly more easily as well.)

[0088] FIG. 10C and 10D also shows the “Hand’s Pre-Rescue Position” G1 (the left hand’s grasping position in FIG. 10C) and “Hand’s Rescue Position” JI (the pointed small black dot in FIG. 10C and JI in FIG. 10D) for this underwater practice, for later calculation on proper rope length, where JI is the left hand’s new position after the left hand’s one step pull-down from G1 shown in FIG. 10C. Whenever practicing underwater, player 120 could wear goggles as needed in order to see rope 101 and grasp rope 101 underwater successfully.

[0089] FIG. 11A-11D illustrate an example of Practice 3 for player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment.After player 120 can perform Practice 2 smoothly and fast without any fear or hesitation, player 120 can move to Practice 3, as described in FIG. 11A to 1 ID. The practice shown in FIG. 11A is similar to what has been described for FIG. 10A and 10B, with the only difference that the initial squat position in FIG. 10A is changed to initial “one-leg -kneeing” position, the requirements for the movements are similar, except an additional step, that, after rope 101 is pulled to become “Rescue-State”, player 120 need switch from “one-leg-kneeing” position to “squat” position, by pulling the rope 101 with larger force; After player 120 switches to “squat” posture, the remaining steps are same as described for FIG. 10B. For FIG. 1 IB, the difference from FIG. 11A is that the same practice is to be done with starting position under water, and the process of breath control is same as described for Practice 2.

[0090] Incrementally, FIG. 11C and FIG. 1 ID are similar to FIG. 11A and 1 IB, except that the previous initial one-leg-kneeing position is now changed to initial “both-leg-kneeing” position, and player 120 need use even larger force to pull rope 101 to help making another additional transitions from “both-leg-kneeing” to “one-leg-kneeing”, the remaining is same as for FIG. HA and 11B. FIG. 11B and 11D also shows the “Hand’s Pre-Rescue Position” G2 (the left hand grasping position) and “Hand’s Rescue Position” J2 (the pointed small black circle) for these underwater practices, for later calculation on proper rope length . J2 is the left hand’s new position after the left hand’s one step pull-down from G2 shown in FIG. 1 IB and 1 ID, in the similar manner as shown in FIG. 10C and I0D.

[0091] Player 120 will repeat above practices as many times as needed, become accustomed to the breath control and finishing all steps of each practice within the time player 120 is able to hold breath undewater, while getting confidence on avoiding falling or lying down on pool floor. The goal of such practice is to train player 120 to be able to self-rescue under different underwater situations, for example, when player 120 lands on pool floor 1 1 1 in an unexpected manner and more attempts for proper landing are needed.

[0092] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate an example of Practice 4 for a player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. FIG. 12A to 12D shows “Practice 4”. In this Practice, player 120 will perform the followings steps. First, player 120 chooses a proper location with proper water depth in pool 110 to start with “Position Requirement P2”, as shown in FIG. 12A. The length of rope 101 is prepared so that rope 101 in FIG. 12A, 12B, 12C is all in “pre-rescue state”, and in FIG. 12D rope 101 is at “rescue state”. Tire calculation method for the length of rope 101 will be demonstrated later in the description for FIG. 17A. For this practice, with understanding that player 120 need hold breath in next about 15 seconds to 20 seconds for this entire practice, player 120 takes a deepbreath-in and stably starts turning into squat position by lowering down upper body, lifting legs and feet up away from pool floor 111, and letting entire body including head submerged in the middle of water for a couple seconds, as shown in FIG. 12B. In the meantime, player 120 tries keeping body upright and two legs apart as wide as shoulders to be prepared for landing on pool floor 111.

[0093] Player 120 is prepared for the body to sink, and the body actually starts sinking, but just in another couple seconds, the player’s feet land on pool floor 11 1 , as shown in FIG. 12C. In this way, player 120 confirms that such short moments of “Controlled Sinking” will not cause drowning and therefore is nothing to fear, as long as the practice is carried out in a swimming pool area meeting requirements for rescuable water depth as described above, including “Position Requirement Pl”. After the player’s feet land on pool floor 111, player 120 starts performing hand-climbing on rope 101 to self-rescue and get emerged, as shown in FIG. 12D, in similar way as described for FIG. 10D,

[0094] If player 120 feels losing balance or feels that the feet do not land on pool floor I l l as expected any time in the middle of above process, player 120 can abort the remaining steps of the practice, start self-rescue by hand-climbing on rope 101 towards poolside, and leverage the force from rope 101 to restore balance of body and adjust the feet position for a good landing, and then get emerged. In this practice, player 120 is fully focused on the procedure as described above, should not tty getting buoyant. As shown in FIG. 12B, the squat posture can be called as “Landing Posture”, Player 120 can perform the same practice with “Landing Posture” of one-leg-kneeing or both-leg-kneeing, etc.

[0095] Tlie following three choices are the “Underwater Self-Rescue Strategy” for player 120. The first choice is for play er 120 to pull rope 101 to “Rescue State” with one or two hands and leverage the force from rope 101 to help sw itching the body to landing posture, and keep holding rope 101 straight and tight, try landing with feet on pool floor 111 properly, then stand up steadily and get emerged.

[0096] The second choice is for player 120 to perform hand-climbing and get emerged before player 120 can tty more for landing on pool floor, using “Buoyancy-by-Lifting-Force” method, as explained for FIG. 9, assuming all conditions are provided readily, in this way, player 120 can get head emerged and stay emerged for free breathing during the hand-climbing procedure until reaching poolside; and at poolside, player 120 can use “Arm-Reaching Rescue” method for self-rescue.

[0097] If for any reason, the first and second choice are not successful or not available, the third choice is for the player to continue holding breath and continue hand-climbing on rope101 to prevent further sinking and to bring body towards poolside along with continuous attempt for landing on feet and stand up to get emerged, or land on pool floor 111 with knees, if player 120 has moved to even shallower water area and it is safe to do so, and get emerged; if landing still fails, reach poolside by hand-climbing for a few seconds, and then use “Arm- Reaching Rescue” method to get emerged. To allow tire third choice to work, the distance from SI to poolside need be controlled within a limit so that the player can complete the procedure within time of holding breath.

[0098] For new swim students, the first and second choices of “Underwater Self-Rescue Strategy” need be securely provided to ensure safety, and the third choice can be used by more experienced player 120.

[0099] In such practice and self-rescue process, starting from pre-rescue state, rope 101 plays one or more roles including to help keeping and restoring the underwater player 120 directed, oriented, upright and / or balanced, to help getting player 120 emerged, to help getting player 120 moving forward, to prevent player 120 from falling to pool floor 1 11 and from panic, and to provide self-confidence about safety, because player 120 knows performing hand- climbing on rope 101 will allow player 120 to apply “Underwater Self-Rescue Strategy” for self-rescue.

[0100] For other swim and water activity activities, different Underwater Self-Rescue Strategies can be established based on the principles described in this description.

[0101] In Practice 4, player 120 learns about the entire procedure of underwater self-rescue using the rope, including the experience of Controlled Sinking, and learns in person how to carry out self-rescue in a smooth way, in various possible scenarios. This practice is also a starting point to practice relaxing. After player 120 knows “Controlled Sinking” in this environment is safe, when player 120 performs Practice 4 again, player 120 can try relaxing mentally and physically more and more, although relaxing is not the main goal for Practice 4. In FIG. 12A to 12D, the trace of “Rope 's Rescue Point” shows movement of the hand holding the rope. In FIG. 12D, the “Rope’s Rescue Point” is mapped to “JI” in FIG. 10D that can be used for rope length calculation show' n later.

[0102] Practice 1 to 4 and some other practices in this description can be considered as examples of water activity other than swim. In these activities, the rope plays one or more roles of self-rescue, assistance and safeguarding in various ways, as above examples show. Additionally, using rope 101 with one arm in the w'ay as shown in FIG. 1 can help for balancing as well. If, as shown in FIG. 1, player 120 grasps rope 101 with left hand and starts running forward, the player might get unbalanced due to the unstable and inconsistent hindrance fromwater, then player 120 can momentarily pull rope 101 to switch the rope from pre-rescue state to rescue state and get force from rope 101 to help restoring the balance and preventing falling. This approach is another example of the safeguarding and assisting roles that rope 101 can play for oilier water activities.

[0103] FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate an example of Practice 5 for player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13A to 13D show “Practice 5”, the first buoyancy practice. Before starting the practice, by reading and understanding the steps of Practice 5, player 120 should be prepared mentally that player 120 will experience “controlled sinking” in a slightly different way, but the method of “Underwater Self-Rescue Strategy” can still save play er 120.

[0104] For this buoyancy practice, the “Hands’ Pre-Rescue Position” is G6 and the “Hands Rescue-Position” is G3 as shown in FIG. I3B, which is ensured by preparing the length and “Rope’s Rescue Point” of the rope, by calculation method to be shown for FIG. I9A, After we obtain A5-to-G3 as shown in FIG. 13B, we can find a contact point G8 shown in FIG 13A so that A5-to-G8:::A5-to-G3, in other words, G8 is the “Rope’s Rescue Point” during real practice. To start this practice, as shown in FIG. 13 A, player 120 selects SI so that player 120 can grasp rope 101 at “Rope’s Rescue Point” G8, with arm stretched and rope 101 at straight but not tight state, in this way, the player is prepared for “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” from the beginning of the practice.

[0105] Then, continuing holding “Rope’s Rescue Point” G8 of rope 101 at left hand and keeping both arms stretched out pointing to pole 114, player 120 takes a deep breath-in and hold breath, then immediately bend the player’s upper body forward until arms and head submerge, as a result, the rope-grasping hand moves from position G8 to position G6, as shown in FIG. 13A and FIG, I3B, because A5-to-G8 in FIG. 13A is longer than A5-to-G6 in FIG. 13A, therefore, the upper part of rope 101 turns to “Pre-Rescue” State as shown in FIG. 13B. Furthermore, player 120 lifts legs and stretches legs backwards, turns self into the posture shown in FIG.13B,

[0106] Then, player 120 tries to relax body and finds that tire more relaxed, the slower the body sinks. Next, during such an attempt, the player’s body might still not relax enough, so the body will sink, which is expected and prepared. As soon as player 120 feels sinking, player 120 pulls rope 101, by moving the hand from position G6 to “Hand’s Rescue Position” G3 (as shown in FIG. 13B) for rope 101 to turn into “Rescue State”, as originally planned (A5-to-G3:::A5-to-G8), allowing player 120 to leverage the force immediately from rope 101 to stabilize player 120 self, to bend knees towards the chest, switch body to squat position as shown inFIG. 13C, and try landing on pool floor, as shown in FIG. 13D, applying “Underwater Self- Rescue Strategy” for self-rescue, lire landing posture can also be one-leg-kneeing, or both-leg- kneeing if needed.

[0107] If player 120 feels losing balance or feels that the feet do not land on pool floor 111 properly any time in the middle of this process, player 120 can abort the practice and start self- rescue, as shown for FIG. 12A to 12D. Player 120 will repeat this practice until player 120 can finish the entire process without fear in a smooth manner within the time of holding breath. This practice will ensure player 120 that there is no real danger by relaxing the body under such practice condition.

[0108] FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate an example of Practice 6 for player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. FIGs. 14A-14D shows Practice 6. In this Practice, the differences from Practice 5 are as follows. After reaching the posture shown in FIG. 14B, which is same as FIG. 13B, if not feeling the body is sinking, player 120 tries relaxing the entire body more, stretching legs backwards further and flattening the body as much as possible, as shown in FIG. 14C. During such attempts, the player’s body might still not relax enough, so the body will sink. When feeling sinking, player 120 uses the steps described for FIG. 13C to switch to landing posture, as shown in FIG. 14D, and then cany' out self-rescue steps, as described for FIG. 13C and 13D.

[0109] Player 120 will repeat this practice until player 120 can finish the entire process without fear in a smooth manner within the time of holding breath. This practice demonstrates to player 120 that the more relaxed the body is, the longer the body stays buoyant.

[0110] FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate an example of Practice 7 for player 120 when practicing with the swim and water activity training and assistance system, according to an embodiment. FIG. 15A to 15D show Practice 7, In this Practice, the differences from Practice 6 are as follows. After reaching the posture shown in FIG. 15C, which is same as FIG . 14C, if player 120 feels the body is not sinking, player 120 can relax the body more, stretch legs backwards further until the body is stretched and flattened as completely as possible, and player 120 simultaneously tries to relax body completely, as shown in FIG. 15D. When player 120 reaches “completely relaxed” state in position shown in FIG. 15D while keeping holding breath, player 120 is able to stay buoyant for at least a couple seconds or more, which means player 120 has acquired the skill of getting relaxed and buoyant on water. Please note that after the body is stretched, flatened, and relaxed completely, the angle between the body line (from hand to foot, as dashed line 700 in FIG. 15D) and the water surface 115 line varies from person toperson based on body density. One person’s body line at buoyancy may look like 700. another person’s body line may look like dashed-line 701 in FIG. 15D, for example.

[0111] Player 120 may need several such attempts before succeeding in buoyancy as just described above. The body may still sink during the attempts, and player 120 may use the same technique described for FIG. 14B to 14D for self-rescue. If successfully buoyant, player 120 can stay buoyant as long as player 120 can hold the breath. Before running out of breath, player 120 pulls rope 101 and switches to one of the landing postures and carry out self-rescue.

[0112] Player 120 will repeat this practice until player 120 can finish the entire process without fear in a smooth manner within the time of holding breath. From this practice, player 120 truly knows and experiences the relationship between the method of relaxing the body and the result of getting buoyant. Acquisition of this skill of getting buoyant is a prerequisite towards real swimming for a player. Although this skill only is not enough for real swimming, additional skills needed for real swimming can be learned in a much easier way after acquiring the buoyancy skill.

[0113] FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate an example of how player 120 can stand up from sitting position on a swimming pool floor 111 while holding rope 101, according to an embodiment. In unusual but possible cases, player 120 may land on pool floor 111 in a sitting posture, as shown in FIG 16A. So, player 120 needs to get familiar to the movements to switch from “sitting on pool floor” to “one-leg-kneeing” posture, which will be illustrated in FIG 16B and 16C. After the player’s switching to one-leg-kneeing posture, the remaining steps for self- rescue are same as described for FIG. 11A or 1 IB. One example way for such switching is shown in FIG. 16B, and 16C, including following steps.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 16B, from sitting position, assuming the player’s left hand is holding rope 101, the player’s right leg 602 lies down on pool floor 11 1 , the player’s right hand 601 pushes pool floor to support the body, at same time, the player’s left hand 605 still holds rope 101 and left leg 603 still keeps the similar position as before.

[0115] Then, as shown in FIG. 16C, the player’s right hand 601 pushes pool floor 111 harder, and, together with support from left leg 603, lifts the body up, which allows the player’s right leg 602 to leave from pool floor 111 and switch to right-leg-kneeing posture, as shown in FIG. 16D. In FIG. 16C, player’s left hand 605 still holds rope 101.

[0116] This practice need be done firstly with head and arms completely above water when initially sitting on pool floor 111, as shown in FIG. 16A. Then, it can be done by starting with standing posture meeting “Position Requirement P2” and switching to sitting-on-pool-floorposition with head and arms submerged, with procedures described for FIG. 16A to 16D and breath control.

[0117] Player 120 need avoid falling and lying down on pool floor 111 any time, which may cause a higher risk of drowning. Falling and lying down are avoidable for a novice swim player 120 especially with help of rope 101 and above incremental practices, and with the swimming pool 110 depth and size conditions we propose. In case player 120 falls and / or lies down on pool floor 111, lifeguard’s help and rescue are needed.

[0118] FIG. 17A-17C illustrate related measurements and parameters used for calculation on length of rope 101 for Practice 1 to 4, according to an embodiment. FIG. 17A shows how to determine the proper length of rope 101 to meet “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” and more. For calculation purpose, we mostly start with the “Hand’s Rescue Position” as shown in FIG. 17A, which is similar to FIG. 7B. After the “Hand’s Rescue Position” requirement is met and “Rope’s Rescue Point” is determined, player 120 can grasp rope 101 on “Rope’s Rescue Point” as shown in FIG. 17A and 7B, and then stretch out arm, as shown in FIG. 7A, to switch to “Hand’s Pre-Rescue Position” as beginning position for practice.

[0119] Table 1 is given as a calculation method example correspondent to FIG. 17A to demonstrate the principle so that similar approaches can be developed to calculate the proper rope length for different configurations of swimming pool 110, surrounding conditions and different players with different heights. Table 4 is given as numeric demonstration based on real world examples,

[0120] Table 1 is listed below.Table 1. The Parameters and Calculations for Proper Length of Rope for Practice 1 to 4 (Please Refer to FIG. 17A if not specified otherwise)

[0121] “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement"’ can be met in this calculation if the following 3 points are met. Firstly, Initial Ln (Ln at beginning “Hand’s Rescue Position” as shown in FIG. 17A) makes rope 101 at rescue state when player 120 holds rope 101 at Hand’s Rescue Position based on S 1 player 120 selects. Secondly, Initial Lie (Lie at beginning position as shown in FIG. 7 A) meets requirement of Initial Lie > “straight-line distance between hand’s pre-rescue position and waist belt 104 connector”, as shown in Requirement for Lie in Table 1 . Thirdly, Total Length of Rope 101 is L19 = Initial Ln + Initial Lie.

[0122] Here, “Rope’s Rescue Point” 510 is the boundary contact point between Initial L17 segment and Initial_Lie segment. In other words, Rope’s Rescue Point is the contact point at rope 101 which has straight line distance of Initial L17 away from the first end 122 of rope,when rope 101 is straight. "‘Rope’s Rescue Point” 510 is grasped by the player’s hand at beginning of practice, as shown in FIG. 7 A, with rope 101 in “Pre-Rescue” state, allowing player 120 switch from “Hand Pre-Rescue Position” (e.g., in FIG. 7A) to “Hand’s Rescue Positions” (e.g., in FIG. 7B) with 1 pull-down Step, and allowing player 120 switch from “Hand Rescue Position” (e.g., in FIG. 7B) to “Hand’s Pre-Rescue Positions” (e.g., in FIG. 7A) by stretching out the arm (which is only one movement). In such way, the “1-Hand-Climbing- Step Requirement” is met. During the switching, the player’s hand still grasps rope 101 at rope’s rescue point 510, and Lis segment keeps being loose.

[0123] As shown above, the requirement of length of Initial Lis is in a range, which can be used for adjustment. This is why when we perform calculations, some approximation is acceptable.

[0124] FIG. 17B is similar to FIG. 17A, with the difference that pole 114 and box 301 are further aw ay from poolside and are located completely within the deck area. In the FIG , 17B case, Lis between B5 and C5 can be calculated as Lis = Lis - Hi + (Q4 - Q5), where Q4 is the horizontal distance between pole 114 and pool wall 112, and Q5 is the horizontal distance between pole 114 and A5. Remaining calculations can be done with principles described above for FIG. 17A.

[0125] FIG. 17C show's that pole 114 could be curved one, bringing box 301 closer to player 120 in pool 110, when player 120 is far away from pool wall 112. The calculation method for FIG. 17C case is similar to that for FIG. 17A, The configuration in FIG. 17C is similar to those shown in FIG. 2H and FIG. 8A to 8C, which can also be used for vertical lift- up applications, additional to the normal use as described for FIG. 7A to 7D.

[0126] Table 2 below, with reference to FIG. 18, calculates the change in length of Lis segment after hand-climbing and walking steps, to check under which condition the requirement “Lis< Hi” can be met in entire practice. An example shown later reveals that Lis can become longer than Hi when player 120 walks closer and closer to box 301. The handling of such situation is discussed below', w ith numeric example included in Table 4.

[0127] FIG. 18 illustrates related measurements and parameters used for calculation on length changes of Lis and L17 segments of rope 101 after hand-climbing steps, according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is based on FIG. 17A, i.e., all listed and unlisted parameters’ values in FIG. 18 are same as those in FIG, 17A unless shown differently in Table 2. Although FIG. 18 show's that player 120 is emerged, but in real practice, it is possible that player 120 is still submerged, however, as long as rope 101 is straight and tight from C6 to A5, the principle of the calculation method is still applicable.

[0128] Table 2 is listed below

[0129] Table 2 The Parameters and Calculations for Lis Segment after hand-climbing steps (Refer to FIG. 18).

[0130] Additionally, we need to check whether the calculation can be applied when player 120 starts with different postures such as shown in FIG. 10C, 11B and 11D. lire calculation method in Table 1 for total length of rope 101 can be applied for situation shown at FIG, 10C, 1 IB and 1 ID, with some parameters’ change, as shown in Table 3, with reference to FIG. 17A.

[0131] Table 3 is listed below.Table 3 The Parameters and Calculations for Rope length with Different Starting Postures. (Refer to FIG. 17A)

[0132] By starting with squat position, as shown in FIG. IOC, Initial Lie need be selected differently to avoid tangling, with consideration that the relative distances among hands, waist and feet have changed in initial squat position compared to initial standing position.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 17A, estimation of L32 (vertical coordinate of J 1) and L33 (vertical coordinate of J2) is possible, and horizontal distances from SI to II and from SI to 12 might be different but both close to H4, and their estimate is also possible. Therefore, Initial Ln for "A5-to-Jl" and "A5-to-J2" can both be calculated as needed.

[0134] In tire example of FIG. IOC and I0D, with correspondent Initial L17, player 120 can switch between G1 and JI and “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” is met. The similar conclusion is applicable for G2 and J2 in FIG. 1 IB and 1 ID as well. Such calculation for rope 101 length is needed but rope 101 has adjustability to adapt to certain range of calculation or estimation errors.

[0135] Example X4 in Table 4 is a numeric example demonstrated for cases shown in FIG. 11B and 1 ID. Similar calculation method can be applied to calculate the length of rope for Practice 4.

[0136] The rope’s adjustability is as below. Adjusting SI location to be slightly closer or further to box 301 can result in shorter InitiaJ Ln or longer Initial_Li7, respectively, and given a fixed total length of rope 101, Initial Lie segment will be longer or shorter, respectively, which is acceptable as long as all requirements for Lis during entire practice is met, since Lis segment is always loose, allowing such flexibility. This adjustment technique, called as “Adjustment Method 1”, actually adjusts “Rope’s Rescue Point” slightly along rope 101 within given length of rope 101, to fit “1-Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” for player 120. It can be applied to calculation and to adjustment of usage of rope 101 in the scene of playing.

[0137] Table 4 shows the parameters and calculation results based on examples, with the player’s height as 150cm and 170cm, respectively. Table 4 is listed as below.Table 4 Examples of Parameters and Calculation for Table 1 to 3 (unit: cm) (Refer to FIG. 17A and FIG. 18)

[0138] In Example XI of Table 4, Lu is relatively long, as 195cm, after moving for 101cm, Ending Li6 (151cm) exceeds Hl (150cm), but player 120 is still far away from pool wall 112 as indicated by Ending Lis ( ''60cm) . In this example, player 120 need get emerged before moving for 101cm, to avoid risky rope tangling situation. One option is to shorten Lu as in Example X2. However, if sometimes it is not possible, player 120 need be aware of this risk and take necessary action to manage to get emerged, by the first choice or the second choice of “Underwater Rescue Strategy”, before the limited moving distance (such as 101cm in this example) is reached. This example also shows that this system itself works even if player’s SI is further away from box 301 compared to Pool Length Requirement, and the calculation is stillvalid as well, only additional effort is to manage to get emerged before Li6 segment becomes longer than Hi, which is also before reaching poolside. In this case, the second choice of “Underwater Rescue Strategy” can be provided to player 120, so that even if the player 120 cannot land on pool floor and is far away from poolside, player 120 can still get emerged using “Buoyancy-by-Lifting -Force” method, which makes it easier for player 120 to try landing and handle situations including the tangling,

[0139] In Example X2 of Table 4, Li-i is relatively shorter as 145cm. After moving for 90cm, Ending Lie (132cm) is still shorter than Hi (150cm), and player 120 is close to pool wall 112, with (Ending Lis + Hr )< Hy indicating that player 120, if submerged and not landed properly, can reach pool wall 112 with arm stretching forward and grab pool edge 1 16 by hand to get lifted and emerged, which is “Arm-Reaching Rescue” as defined earlier. “Arm- Reaching Rescue” can be made available by selecting related parameters as shown below.

[0140] Under assumption that L31 in FIG. I7A is ignorable, i.e,, A5-B5 Line is overlappingwith pool wall 1 12 line, we can predetermine Ending__Lis in FIG. 18 by (Ending__Lis + II4) < H3, to meet “Arm-Reaching Rescue” requirement; then we select Moving-Distance L22 (in FIG. 18), for example, within tire range from 0.25 * Hi to 0.75 * Hi (In order to provide room for practice, L22 cannot be too short either); then we calculate las in FIG. 17A as Initial Lis = Ending Lis + L2.2. Then we find Angle a2 (as shown in FIG. 18) by solving tan (a2) = ((Ending Lis) / L12) < (H3-H4) / Li2 with known L12, H3, and H i. and select a value as a2 under allowed maximal value based on inequality above, which means there exists a maximal value of «2 to meet “Arm-Reaching Rescue” requirement. Furthermore, we can find Angle al (as shown in FIG. 17A) by solving tan (al)::::Initial Lis / Li 2::::(Ending Lis + L22) / L12:::tan (a2) + (L22 / L12). Finally, we can calculate SI location and all other parameters in Table 1 after al is determined, and by using these parameters including location of SI, we can ensure that the “Arm-Reaching Rescue” option is available for player 120 under this configuration.

[0141] Similar calculations can be done when A5-B5 Line is not overlapping with pool wall 1 12 line as shown in FIG. 17B, based on same principle described above. When adjusting a2 and al, each calculation step need be reexamined whether all requirements in Table 1 are met, if not met, further adjustment is needed until all requirements are met. For a player 120, selecting a workable but gradually longer L22 allows player 120 to experience and practice longer underwater with more movement or endurance and longer breath-holding, which is helpful for the readiness towards future practices and swimming. For novice players 120, it is preferred to have the “Arm-Reaching Rescue” feature available as an additional self-rescue method at beginning of training if possible.

[0142] Between Example X3 and X4 of Table 4, the L19 values are same or very close, which means the same length of rope 101 could be used for the two different configurations. Li 3 (by adjusting SI) and Ri6 as shown can be used for adjustment when trying to use same rope 101 for different configurations, while keeping all requirements met. Tliis case provides a real calculation example for “Adjustment Method 1” as described above.

[0143] In Example X4 of Table 4, after player 120 stands up from kneeing position, the parameters and calculations are completely aligned with Table 1 and FIG. 17A again, as Ln = Lio - Hs, instead of L12:::Lio - L33., as used initially at “L12” row' of Example X4 of Table 4.

[0144] Table 4 demonstrates that the system and its requirements are implementable.

[0145] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate related measurements and parameters used for calculation on length of rope 101 for Practice 5 to 7, according to an embodiment. Another different starting posture is for buoyancy practice as shown in FIG. 19A and 19B, for Practice 5, 6 and 7. The principle of calculation of rope length for such Practices is described below. As shown in FIG. I9B with the player’s posture, for buoyancy practice, tire total length of rope 101 can be calculated based on the Hand’s Rescue Position, the small black circle pointed by G3, which is the player’s left fist’s position if the player’s left arm pulls down rope 101 from position G6 once to start self-rescue, wherein the fist’s position pointed by G6 is the Hand’s Pre-Rescue position. Here, we also assume that G6 is vertically very close to waler surface. From G6 to G3, it meets “1-Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement”. In this case, related measurement and calculation are possible but much more complicated. The length of A5-to-G3 is the Initial Ln, which can be replaced with A5-to-G4, if A5-to-G4 = A5-to-G3, where G4 is at same vertical line as G6, for easier calculation and estimation. L42 is the vertical distance of G4 from water surface 115, simply noted as G6-to-G4. Accurate estimation of L42 is difficult, but estimation of its range is possible. Let us assume G4 is located between G4’ (upper boundary ) and G4” (low'er boundary).

[0146] Eventually, instead of calculating A5-to-G4, we will calculate A5-to-G4’ and A5- to-G4” and select a value in between as approximation for A5-to-G4, as initial_Li7, which will be explained with an example below.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 19B, for G4’, we can estimate that G6-to-G3 is longer than L44 which is close to H4. Then, if G4’ is at vertical line of G6-G4 and at horizontal line KI, while line KI crosses G3 and is parallel to the water surface 115, then G6-to-G4’ < G6-to-G3. So, in this example, it can be selected as 0 < G6-to-G4’ (i.e., L42 of G4’) < (0.5*H4), and for G4”, since G6-to-G3 is longer than (l.CrtHt), G6-to-G4” can be selected as (1.5*H4) < G6-to-G4” (i.e., L42 of G4”) < (2.0*H4).As a result, the followings hold.(A5-to- to-G4),(A5-to--to-G4) < (A5-to-G4”).0 < (G6-to-G4’) < (0.5*H4).(1 ,5*H4) < (G6-to-G4”) < (2.0*1-14).

[0148] For the parameters, as shown in FIG. 19B, L4I is selected by player 120 for how far away from pool wall 1 12 to practice. In the following examples, we select around 30cm, 60cm and 90cm to demonstrate the effects. L42, as estimated vertical distance of G4 from water surface 115, is selected in tire range shown above for G4’ and G4”.

[0149] Other parameters and calculation for FIG. 19B are discussed in Table 5 with examples, to demonstrate principles of calculation applied. All parameters not listed in Table 5 are the same as in Table 4.

[0150] Table 5 is listed as below.Table 5. The Parameters and Calculations for Practice 5, 6 and 7 (unit: cm) (Please Refer to FIG. 19B)

[0151] In the buoyancy practice, the Initial- Lis can be as long as Hi if player 120 can keep rope-grasping arm always up and forward, away from areas close to waist. Tlie Li6 will become longer than Hi during such practice, which need be monitored carefully, by keeping rope 101 away from legs and controlling the Lis not exceeding (1.5* Hi) as an example during entire practice.

[0152] For Example X5 and X6 of Table 5,A5-to-G4’ = Ln of Example X5 = 91.48 cm, A5-to-G4” = Ln of Example X5 and X6 = 132.38 cm, A5-to-G4 = ( 91.48 + 132.38) 72 = 112 cm.(A5-to-G3) ==:(A5-to-G4) ==:112 cm.Rope Length for Example X5:::L19 of Example X5:::251 cm, Rope Length for Example X6 = L19 of Example X6 = 234 cm, The average of the two L19 values = 242 cm.

[0153] If rope length is 242cm and it is used for Example X5 of Table 5, Li 7 is still around 112cm based on Table 5, and Lis is around 130cm, only about 9cm shorter than what Table 5 indicates, which still meets the requirement.

[0154] If rope length is 242cm and it is used for Example X6 of Table 5, Li? is still around 112cm based on Table 5, and Lis is around 130cm, only about 8cm longer than what Table 5 indicates, which still meets the requirement.

[0155] For Example X6 and X9 in Table 5, Li ?is apart by 36cm, but the Lwis apart only by 25cm. If we select L19 as 254cm, it will work for both Example X6 and X9, with adjustment of Li6 as shown above for Example X5 and X6.is needed to be anywhere between 112cm (as in X6) and 148cm (as in X9) , and different users have same or similar height, rope 101 with length of 254cm can still be used, with Lis meeting tire requirement. However, if different users have different heights, whether Lis meets the requirements during entire practice needs be reexamined, because Lis ’s requirement depends on the height of player 120. Above cases from Table 5 are examples of apply ing “Adjustment Method 1” on rope 101 used in the scene of playing.

[0156] In FIG. 19B, when the player’s left hand moves from G6 (Hands’ Pre-Rescue Position) to G3 (Hand’s Rescue-Position), the hand will stop moving as soon as rope 101 turns to “Rescue State”, meeting “1-Hand-Climmbing-Step Requirement”, and the stop position is expected to be around G3 and need not be exactly the location of G3. This also provides a small range of flexibility for the length of rope 101. Additionally, for self rescue, the other hand should always reach out and grasp and pull rope 101 as well to reinforce “Rescue State” of rope 101.

[0157] Example X5 to X8 of Table 5 shows that the final calculated L19 might be close even if the parameters, such as L« and Ri6, vary in different ways. If the calculated lengths L19 of rope 101 are close, they can be used exchangeable, w ith the above adjustment methods. In other words, parameters such as L41 and Rie can be used for adjustment during calculation of rope length.

[0158] For the buoyancy practice, we need find a way to transit from normal starting posture as shown in FIG. 19A to the pre-rescue posture shown in FIG. 19B.

[0159] Please note that the selected L41, together with G6, G4, G3, is mapped from FIG. 19B to FIG. 19A.

[0160] To prepare for the transition, after we obtain A5-to-G3 or A5-to-G4 as shown in FIG. 19B, we can find a contact point G8 on the rope shown in FIG 19A so that A5-to-G8 === A5-to-G3, in other words, G8 is the “Rope’s Rescue Point”. For the transition, as shown in FIG, 19A, player 120 selects SI so that player 120 can grasp rope 101 at G8 as “Rope’s Rescue Point”, with arm stretched and rope 101 at straight but not tight state, in this w7ay, the player is ready for “1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” from the beginning of the practice.

[0161] The remaining steps of the practice have been described for FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, where FIG. 13A is mapped to FIG. 19A, and FIG. 13B is mapped to FIG. 19B.

[0162] The calculation method for rope length in Table 5 also allows some calculation errors, and “Adjustment Method 1” can be applied as described earlier as w7ell.

[0163] If not wearing a waist belt 104, as showm in FIG. 4, player 120 can let Initial_Li6 be about at least 1 foot or more for all calculations and need not be concerned about related limitations for Lis in above calculations as shown in Table 1 to Table 5, assuming that rope 101 is so short that it will never be long enough to tangle w ith the player ’ s leg . But, if a longer rope 101 is used, it is still possible for rope 101 to tangle with player’s leg during playing, and we recommend that this approach can be only selected by a player 120 with more experience, more confidence and / or higher skill levels. In this case, player 120 needs be aware of such risk, monitor the situation, and take necessary steps, including self-rescue, as soon as the tangling situation occurs before the situation gets worse. A floatable rope 101 will reduce the chance of tangling. More approaches can be found to alleviate the chance of tangling by those who are skilled in the art.

[0164] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate an example of length of rope 101 when rope’s first end 122 is affixed with pool edge 116, according to an embodiment. The requirement of high installation position of the fixture affixing the first end of rope is not al w ay -s needed. As shown in FIG. 20A and 20B, if the water depth is above but close to the player’s waist wdien player 120 stands on pool floor 111, and if the player’s head is naturally above w ater even when the player knees on pool floor 111, as an example case, the player is able to protect him or herself from drowning as long as the player does not fall or lie on pool floor 111; during self-rescue, player 120 only need pull rope 101 to keep himself or herself properly oriented and directed tow'ards the safer poolside area correctly, to keep body upright and balanced from falling, and to be able to land on pool floor 111 properly with legs and stand up steadily. In such cases, rope’s role of lifting-up is optional for player 120. FIG. 20A and 20B show such an example,where rope’s first end is connected with fixture 150 affixed on a brick which is part of the pool edge 116. In this case, we can say that the anchoring device is the brick, which is anchored on pool edge 116, and pool edge 116 is the anchorage. The fixture and connector example shown in FIG. 2A is still applicable here. In this environment, because the water depth is less, all of the practices recommended in this specification can still be practiced with understanding that the player’s head and arms will be above water most time for non-buoyancy practices, such as Practice 1 to 4.

[0165] All principles for parameters and calculations demonstrated in FIG. 17A and Table 1 to 4 are still applicable for FIG. 20A and 20B, with different values of Lio. FIG. 20A shows the Hand’s Rescue Position, and should be used to determine the length of rope as described for FIG. 17A. FIG. 20B shows the Hand’s Pre-Rescue Position and the rope’s initial “Pre- Rescue State” held by player 120, to start the practices. Similarly, from FIG. 19A and 19B, we can lower down the Box 301 to pool edge 116 shown in FIG. 20A and 20B, and same principle for parameters and calculations demonstrated for FIG. 19A and 19B in Table 5 can still be applied for FIG. 20A and 20B. FIG. 20A and 20B are examples where angle between rope 101 and the water surface is close to 0 degree, but sometimes still not 0 degree, indicating that there will still be some up-lifting force when player 120 pulls the rope.

[0166] FIG . 21 illustrates an example of a neighboring anchorage of the swimming pool 713, according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 shows another example of the neighboring anchorage of the swimming pool 713, which is a steel beam 71 1 installed in the ceiling 712 of the room for the swimming pool 713, and an anchoring device, a base module 714, is attached to the steel beam 711 with or without moving flexibility, and the rope 101 can be connected to the base module 714 through a fixture.

[0167] FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate an example of a mechanization and automation of the swim and water activity training and assistance system and related benefit, according to an embodiment. Mechanization and automation can be added to the swim and water activity training and assistance system . As an example, FIG. 22 A to 22B shows that there is a benefit to use self-retractable rope instead of the normal rope in some circumstances. As shown in FIG. 22A, a commercially available self-retractable lifeline (SRI.) device 801, affixed with a fixture mounted on anchorage 799, consists of a lanyard 802 (made of fabric frictional line as example, providing friction when grasped by a hand of a player 120) and a housing unit 803. The lanyard extends and retracts automatically as the person 804 moves around the work site, keeping the lifeline stretched. For fall arrest, if tlie person 804 falls, the sudden increase in speed triggers an automatic braking system inside the housing unit 803, and the braking system arrests thefall and limits the distance the person 804 can fall, similar to how a seatbelt locks during a sudden stop of a car.

[0168] FIG . 22B shows that the SRL device 801 device can be used by player 120 in the similar way. First, during the player’s activity and non-rescue state, player 120 grasps and holds but does not pull lanyard 802 (used as rope 101) and moves slowly, and the lanyard 802 can extend and retracts normally, staying stretched but not tight. Second, wdien the player needs self-rescue, the player uses larger force and pulls the lanyard 802 quickly, it will trigger the automatic braking system to lock the lanyard 802, and the lanyard 802 becomes tight and can exert force to player 120, as long as player 120 continues to pull the lanyard 802 with two hands alternatively and continuously, as shown in FIG. 22B; in other words, lanyard 802 becomes a rope with rescue state for the player’s self-rescue.

[0169] FIG. 22C shows that, without SRL device, with a normal fixture 806 and normal rope 101, if player 120 does not perform self-rescue at originally planned location and move closer and closer to fixture 806, rope 101 will become looser and looser, and rope 101 will become twisted as shown in FIG. 22C; when rope 101 is twisted, the originally planned “1- Hand-Climmbing-Step Requirement” condition is lost, and when self-recuse become needed, it w ill take more time for player 120 to pull the rope continuously and turn the rope to rescue state, and more time to do that means delay in self-rescue and higher risk, especially for new players, who prefer “l-Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” condition available at any time. By using SRL device, as shown in FIG. 22B, lanyard 802 as rope 101 can keep straight but not tight during activity and non-rescue state, no matter how the player moves w ithin a given range, in this way, lanyard 802 can be used w ith "‘1 -Hand-Climbing-Step Requirement” condition any time when needed for self-rescue.

[0170] If SRL device is used, the principles of the calculation method for FIG. 17A for the length of the rope can be applied for the length of the lanyard 802 as shown in FIG. 22B, where Rope’s Rescue Point 805 is shown; due to lanyard’s self-retractability, the Rope’s Rescue Point will keep as valid rescue point even when the player moves away from initial starting location SI, wdthin a given range, as explained above in comparison between FIG. 22B and FIG. 22C. When SRL device is used, whether the second end of lanyard 802 is connected to waist belt 104 that player 120 wears need be considered carefully including the evaluation of Initial_L16, depending on actual applications and activities. With the principles provided above related to application of SRL device as part of the swim and w ater activity training and assistance system, and all other principles provided in other parts of this description, those who are skilled in theart can find solutions to most of the additional challenges during the application of SRL device in the system.

[0171] SRL device is another example of the pulling device for the swim and water activity training and assistance system. Based on the principles described above, the pulling device in the system is a device that can be used by player 120 to pull and obtain force from, and can have pre-rescue state and rescue state.

[0172] With the examples and principles demonstrated above, we can summarize the following procedure as example to plan and configure the system for selected swim and water activity for a given player, as in Table 6, listed below.

[0173] Table 6 Example of the procedure to plan and configure the system for selected swim and water activity for a given player.

[0174] These are not the only embodiments of the disclosure. Alternative Embodiments include, but not limited to, the followings.

[0175] Some practices described above can be skipped if a player 120 can perform the next practice with assured safety and without fear.

[0176] Various alternate embodiments to the length of rope 101 can be provided. For example, if swimming pool 110’s w ater depth can meet the requirement, but the location is far away from poolside, a longer rope 101 is needed. In this case, if a stationed floating island in the middle of the swimming pool 1 10 can be provided near the player’s location, the floating island can be used as poolside, and the calculation in Table 2 should be done with the floating island considered as pool wall 112, although the anchoring device can still be installed on decking area of the swimming pool 110.

[0177] Automation can be added, for example, a wireless electrical signal can be sent to pole 114 from the player’s finger-controlled device and the mechanics installed with pole 114can pull back rope 101 automatically with additional safety measure to prevent inj ury to player 120, which will help player 120 to reach poolside faster and easier.

[0178] Various alternate embodiments of pole 114 can be provided. For example, some railing along the stairs for entering pool 110 can be used as pole 114, if it is strong and high enough for player 120.

[0179] Various alternate embodiments to waist belt 104 can be provided. For example, a swimming suite / garment with necessary' connectors can be used as waist belt 104, and sometimes a wrist belt can be used instead of waist belt to prevent loss of rope during practice .

[0180] Various alternate embodiments to the method to mount pole 114 on anchorage can be provided. For example, pole 1 14 can be affixed on portable heavy base while meeting all requirements.

[0181] Various alternate embodiments to the usage of rope can be provided. For example, we suggest that player 120 should hold rope 101 all the time because rope 101 is the self-rescue device which could be needed at any time unexpected, however, if mechanical and automated process can be established through positioning and tracing technology to allow rope 101 to follow' player 120 and stay within accessible distance, then, player 120 do not need hold the rope all the time, and can access rope 101 at time of need.

[0182] Various alternate embodiments to the second end of rope 101 can be provided. For example, the second end of rope 101 can also be affixed with another fixture on an anchoring device, so that rope 101 keeps straight and tight all the time, allowing the player to grasp the rope at any contact point and get force from the rope, in some applications.

[0183] Various alternate embodiments to rigid pole 114 can be provided. For example, the length of rigid pole 114 or another kind of anchoring device is adjustable, so that the height of the fixture and the angle P can be adjusted easily.

[0184] Various alternate embodiments to self-retractable lifeline (SRL) can be provided. For example, the locking device and the self-retracting device can be separate rather than integrated inside the same housing unit,

[0185] Various alternate embodiments to Table 6 about Tire Procedure to Plan for Practice and Correspondent Rope Length can be provided for alternated requirements

[0186] Various alternate embodiments to the rope can be provided. For example, rope 101 can be anti-tangle, etc.

[0187] Various alternate embodiments to the installation of the first end of rope can be provided. For example, the first end of the rope can be affixed to the pool wall through a fixture and the fixture is under water surface, in this case, the rope’s functionality is not changedcompared to the functionality when the first end of the rope is installed above water, but the forces illustrated in FIG. 9 may change and interact differently due to their relationship and directions, while, when such configuration of the system is considered for targeted water activity applications, the similar force analysis demonstrated in FIG. 9 can be carried out by those who are skilled in the art, to leverage the interactions of the forces involved to achieve water activity goal.

[0188] Various other modifications and variants to the embodiments described and illustrated herein are possible, in view of alternate applications. For example, other swim and water activity assisting devices, including, but not limited to, floating boards, etc., can also be used together with the swim and water activity training and assistance system in this embodiment if there is no interference or conflict.

[0189] 'Iliis system can also be used as a safeguard means for individual who stands on pool floor 1 1 1 and performs certain type of non-intensive movement, such as for aquatic therapy or other activities other than swimming, as rope 101, when needed, can play a rescuing or rescue assisting role, as orientation device, direction-pointer, lifter and puller, and will not interfere with the player during normal activities.

[0190] Furthermore, while the processes, described herein, are illustrated with a certain arrangement and ordering of subprocesses, each process may be implemented with fewer, more, or different subprocesses and a different arrangement and / or ordering of subprocesses. In addition, it should be understood that any subprocess, which does not depend on the completion of another subprocess, may be executed before, after, or in parallel with that other independent subprocess, even if the subprocesses are described or illustrated in a particular order.

[0191] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the embodiment. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiment. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the disclosure and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. It is further understood that the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present disclosure is accordingly not limited.

[0192] As used herein, the terms ‘comprising,” “comprise,” and “comprises” are open- ended. For instance, “A comprises B” means that A may include either: (i) only B; or (ii) B in combination with one or a plurality, and potentially any number, of other components. In contrast, the terms “consisting of,” “consist of,” and “consists of’ are closed-ended. For instance, “A consists of B” means that A only includes B with no other component in the same context.

[0193] Combinations, described herein, such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more ofA, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof ’ may be A only, B only, C only, A andB, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, and any such combination may contain one or more members of its constituents A, B, and / or C. For example, a combination of A and B may comprise one A and multiple B’s, multiple A’s and one B, or multiple A’s and multiple B’s.Industrial Applicability

[0194] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. Aspects described in connection with one embodiment are intended to be able to be used with tire other embodiments. Any explanation in connection with one embodiment applies to similar features of the other embodiments, and elements of multiple embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments. Hie embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages.

[0195] The preceding detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. The described embodiments are not limited to usage in conjunction with a particular type of industrial context or with a particular type of swim and water activity training and assistance system. Hence, although the present embodiments are, for convenience of explanation, depicted and described as being implemented with swim and water activity training and assistance system, it will be appreciated that it can be implemented for various other types of structures, and in various other environments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in any preceding section. It is also understood that the illustrations may include exaggerateddimensions and graphical representation to better illustrate the referenced items shown, and are not considered limiting unless expressly stated as such.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A swim and water activity training and assistance apparatus, comprising: an anchoring device configured to support a pulling force exerted by a player in a swimming pool, the anchoring device having a proximal end, and a base affixed to an anchorage neighboring to the swimming pool; a pulling device, the pulling device having a first end affixed to the proximal end of the anchoring device, a second end, and at least a rescue point between the first end and the second end inclusive configured to support a grasping and the pulling force exerted by the player while in the swimming pool.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchoring device, the pulling device, the connections therebetween and the affixing of the base support the pulling force exerted by the player.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pulling device is a rope with a frictional surface that enables the player to grasp and pull the rope firmly and obtain force from the rope.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the pulling device is affixed to the proximal end of the anchoring device through a fixture.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pulling device is floatable on water.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, -wherein the pulling device is a pulling device integrated with and controlled by a self-retracting device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pulling device is locked by a locking device when the player pulls the pulling device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchoring device is a portable rigid pole.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchoring device is a brick portion between the swimming pool and its deck.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchoring device is a rigid base anchored to an anchorage secured at the ceiling of the room for the swimming pool.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein there are more than one pulling devices to be affixed to the anchoring device or anchoring devices and used by two hands of the player.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end of the pulling device is connected to a belt worn by the player.

13. Tire apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angle betw een the pulling device and the water surface, when tire pulling device is pulled by the player to meet self-rescue requirement, is determined by one or more parameters, comprising: a weight of the player including optional load on the player, the pulling force of the player; and a floating force from w ater to the player including optional load on the player.

14. A swim and w ater activity training and assistance system, comprising: a swimming pool w ith a neighboring anchorage and a rescuable w ater depth, an anchoring device configured to support a pulling force exerted by a player in the swimming pool, the anchoring device having a proximal end, and a base affixed to the neighboring anchorage; and a pulling device, the pulling device having a first end affixed to the proximal end of the anchoring de vice, a second end, and at least a rescue point between the first end and the second end inclusive configured to support a grasping and the pulling force exerted by the player while in the swimming pool.

15. Tire system of claim 14, wherein the swimming pool is a portable swimming pool,16. The system of claim 14, wherein the neighboring anchorage is an anchorage secured at the ceiling of the room for the swimming pool.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the anchoring device, the pulling device, the connections therebetween, the affixing of the base and the neighboring anchorage support the pulling force exerted by the player.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the rescuable water depth of the swimming pool is determined by one or more factors, comprising: a body measurement of the player; a positioning to w ater of the player during the played activity; a duration the player can hold breath; an implementable self-rescue procedure; and a skill level of the player for the activity.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the angle between the pulling device and the water surface, when the pulling device is pulled by the player to meet self-rescue requirement, is determined by one or more parameters, comprising: a weight of the player including optional load on the player, the pulling force of the player; and a floating force from water to the player including optional load on the player.

20. lire system of claim 14, wherein the length of the pulling device is determined by one or more parameters, comprising: a location of the first end of tire pulling device installed in relation to the sw imming pool edge and floor; a starting location where the player starts playing an activity in the swimming pool in relation to the first end of the pulling device; and a hand’s rescue position of the player in relation to the starting location of the player.

21. A controlled environment swim and w'ater activity training and assistance method for a player in a swimming pool, the method comprising: providing a swim and water activity training and assistance system, the system including a swimming pool with a neighboring anchorage and a rescuable w ater depth, an anchoring device affixed on the neighboring anchorage, a pulling device affixed to the anchoring device;adjusting the angle between the pulling device and the water surface when the pulling device is pulled by the player to meet self-rescue requirement, wherein the adjustment of the angle is based on one or more parameters, adjusting the length of the pulling device to allow' the player to grasp the pulling device with at least one hand, wherein the pulling device stays at pre-rescue state to allow a free movement of the player while in playing, w herein the pulling device turns into rescue state if pulled by the player for self- rescue, w'herein the adjustment of the length is based on one or more parameters, allowing the player to apply a pulling force to the pulling device to turn the pulling device into rescue state and carry out a self-rescue, when needed.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the swim and water activity training and assistance system further comprises: the anchoring device configured to support a pulling force exerted by the player, the anchoring device having a proximal end, and a base affixed to the neighboring anchorage; the pulling device having a first end affixed to the proximal end of the anchoring device, a second end, and at least a rescue point between the first end and the second end inclusive configured to support a grasping and the pulling force exerted by the player while in the sw'imming pool,23. The method of claim 21, wherein a belt is worn by the player and the second end of the pul ling device can be connected with the belt.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the rescuable water depth of the sw'imming pool is determined by one or more factors, comprising: a body measurement of the player; a positioning to water of the player during the played activity; a duration the player can hold breath; an implementable self-rescue procedure; anda skill level of the player for the played activity.

25. The system of claim 21, wherein the angle between the pulling device and the water surface, when the pulling device is pulled by the player to meet self-rescue requirement, is determined by one or more parameters, comprising: a weight of the player including optional load on the player, the pulling force of the player; and a floating force from water to the player including optional load on the player.

26. The system of claim 21, wherein the length of the pulling device is determined by one or more parameters, comprising: a location of the first end of the pulling device installed in relation to the swimming pool edge and floor; a starting location where the player starts playing an activity in the swimming pool in relation to the first end of the pulling device; and a hand’s rescue position of the player in relation to the starting location of the player.

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