As a competitive swimmer, I would say that this is an inefficient way to train. I do not flip turn to go faster, I flip turn because that way I can keep up a rhythm, i do not spend time "resting" (or breathing rather) on the wall, and the push keeps the whole lap at the same work level. In open water, you don't put your head up for a second to breathe every 25 yards.

If you don't push, you have to accelerate with a few big pulls, in the open water, you are swimming continuously, so the best way to replicate an open water swim is to push off the wall.

In water polo, the best way to train is to not touch the walls, ever. I have done many 2 to 2 laps, and i can tell you, during the water polo season, my distance swim speed slows, comparing to my long distance, rhythm workouts in swimming.

Turns and pushing is not cheating, it is inefficient, useless, and wrong. Learn to flip turn to enhance your swim workouts and improve performance