The Fitbit Versa 4 is capable of tracking swimming activities, including distance, duration, and pace, but it does not specifically track different types of swimming strokes like freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly. Fitbit's SmartTrack feature can automatically recognize and record swimming workouts after at least 15 minutes of activity, but it does not differentiate between various swimming strokes[4][5][9].
For serious swimmers who need detailed stroke tracking, other devices like Garmin watches might be more suitable, although they also have limitations in stroke detection accuracy[3]. The Versa 4 is generally better suited for casual exercisers who want to track basic swimming metrics rather than advanced stroke-specific data[4].
If you need to track specific strokes, you might consider using a manual lap counter or a specialized swim watch that offers more detailed stroke analysis[1][7]. However, for basic swimming tracking, the Versa 4 can provide useful data such as distance and duration, making it a good option for those who primarily focus on these metrics[9][10].
Citations:[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Swimming/comments/bsg68t/fitbitsmartwatch_for_swimming/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/miband/comments/c7j03t/pool_swimming_with_mi_band_4_users_feedback/
[3] https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/healthandwellness/f/vivoactive-4-series/195801/lenghts-and-stroke-detection-during-swim-sessions-fails-miserably
[4] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/fitbit-versa-4
[5] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-4/Versa-4-not-auto-recognising-swimming/td-p/5481367
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/Swimming/comments/18lclny/should_i_learn_other_swimming_strokes_to_better/
[7] https://www.yourswimlog.com/best-swim-smartwatch/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLUfx6_uJfc
[9] https://support.google.com/fitbit/answer/14237015?hl=en
[10] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-4/Can-I-swim-with-my-Versa-4/td-p/5378596