DOGPADDLE

Set to 3 different clues across 3 published puzzles, most often “Simple swimming stroke” — The New York Times, Tuesday, 14 April 2009.

9 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Simple swimming strokeonce
The New York Times — Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Slowpoke's swimming styleonce
The New York Times — Monday, 17 April 2000
Just keep one's head above wateronce
The New York Times — Saturday, 16 March 1996