This paper deals with the accuracy of several analytical models for the prediction of the hydrodynamic force and pressure distribution acting on a body entering initially calm water. The problem of water entry is important for the analysis of slamming loads undergone by boats operating in waves, as well as of the steady behaviour of high-speed planing vessels. The considered models are briefly described and the obtained results are compared to those of numerical computations and experimental observations for a number of two-dimensional and axisymmetric cases of water impact.