Is there a way to set the countdown timer (3-2-1) for the start of the exercise (1st interval)? I have the countdown timer feature turned on, but it only works after rests at the beginning of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th intervals.
No, though you can create a dummy first interval with no swimming in it, so that you get the countdown the first time you actually start swimming. To do this, press Start, wait a few seconds, then press Pause. Now you are ready to un-pause, watch the countdown, and start swimming. However, your interval count will be off by one, if this is something you use to keep track of where you are in a workout.
I would like this feature too - to have the count down start at the first interval - obviously only if you have the countdown feature enabled. For consistency sake I would think that it should count down on the first interval as well, not just the subsequent intervals...