I have observed these in captivity and in the wild. Usually they catch them by blundering into them, then tear off after them. However, when catching prey on the surface ( drowning bugs) , they appear to follow underwater vibrations transmitted from the bug's struggling.
Applying algaecides and chlorine, monitoring pH balance, preventing algal build-ups, and skimming food sources and pool pests are ways to eliminate backswimmers from pools. The insects in question cannot live where regular anti-algae scrubs, insect removal, and pH checks are instituted.
Gangs of Pond Skaters eat backswimmers although I dont know if they attack live creatures or just dispose of corpses.
other insects and fish
Water boatmen are sometimes confused with backswimmers, which are generally larger bugs that swim upside down and deliver a painful bite. from the web
100 million years
it breathe through its stupidness
north America, the USA
Under their wings is where backswimmers [Notonectidae family] store their air. They need it for the deep dives by which they escape many predators. But when they run out of air, they must be able to get back to the surface quickly.
yes they do fly. i just answered my own question. i am a geek.
Backswimmers are aquatic insects that typically live in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and marshes. They are often found near aquatic vegetation where they can rest, hunt for prey, and lay their eggs.
They breathe ny carrying air bubbles
Salt water pools are in fact chlorine pools part of the salt is turned into chlorine by the salt water chlorinater If it works in a normally chlorinated pool it should also work in a salt water pool. However you should check if there is any metallic ingredient like copper in it as these are not recommended in salt water pools.