Swimming

This is an accepted version of this page Swimming is the self-propulsion of a person through water or other liquid, such as saltwater or freshwater environments, usually for recreation, sport, exercise, or survival.

Newborns can instinctively hold their breath underwater and exhibit rudimentary swimming movements as part of a survival reflex.

[6] As a formalized sport, swimming is featured in various local, national, and international competitions, including every modern Summer Olympics.

However, buoyancy varies based on body composition, lung inflation, muscle and fat content, centre of gravity and the salinity of the water.

Because they tend to have a lower centre of gravity and higher muscle content, human males find it more difficult to float or be buoyant.

[8][clarification needed] Human babies demonstrate an innate swimming or diving reflex from newborn until approximately ten months.

The diving response involves apnea, reflex bradycardia, and peripheral vasoconstriction; in other words, babies immersed in water spontaneously hold their breath, slow their heart rate, and reduce blood circulation to the extremities (fingers and toes).

Using a defined stroke for propulsion through the water is unnecessary, and untrained swimmers may use a 'doggy paddle' of arm and leg movements, similar to how four-legged animals swim.

Some earliest references include the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Bible (Ezekiel 47:5, Acts 27:42, Isaiah 25:11), Beowulf, and other sagas.

In 450 BC, Herodotus described a failed seaborne expedition of Mardonius with the words "…those who could not swim perished from that cause, others from the cold".

Dio Cassius describes one surprise tactic employed by Aulus Plautius against the Celts at the Battle of the Medway:[11] The [British Celts] thought that Romans would not be able to cross it without a bridge, and consequently bivouacked in rather careless fashion on the opposite bank; but he sent across a detachment of [Batavii], who were accustomed to swim easily in full armour across the most turbulent streams.

This they easily crossed because they knew where the firm ground and the easy passages in this region were to be found, but the Romans in attempting to follow them were not so successful.

However, the [Batavii] swam across again and some others got over by a bridge a little way up-stream, after which they assailed the barbarians from several sides at once and cut down many of them.The Talmud, a compendium of Jewish law written compiled c. 500 CE, requires fathers to teach their son how to swim.

Professional opportunities in swimming range from competitive sports to coaching, lifeguarding, and working in aquatic therapy.

[16] The support of the water and the reduction in impact make swimming accessible for people unable to undertake activities such as running.

However, swimmers with arthritis may wish to avoid swimming breaststroke, as improper technique can exacerbate arthritic knee pain.

Due to the low-impact nature of the sport, studies have demonstrated that bone mass acquisition will be negatively impacted, which could be an issue for adolescent athletes in particular.

Exercise in the water works out all muscle groups, helping with conditions such as muscular dystrophy which is common in seniors.

For example, swimming has been an Olympic sport since 1896, and the current program includes events from 50 m to 1500 m in length, across all four main strokes and medley.

During the season competitive swimmers typically train multiple times per day and week to increase endurance, strength, and preserve fitness.

Furthermore when the cycle of work is completed swimmers go through a stage called taper where intensity is reduced in preparation for competition season.

The sport is governed internationally by World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) before it adopted its current name in December 2022.

[24] To minimize the risk and prevent potential drownings from occurring, lifeguards are often employed to supervise swimming locations such as public pools, waterparks, lakes and beaches.

Learning basic water safety skills, such as swimming with a buddy and knowing how to respond to emergencies, is essential for swimmers of all levels.

[26] There are many risks associated with voluntary or involuntary human presence in water, which may result in death directly or through drowning asphyxiation.

[28] Supervision by personnel trained in rescue techniques is required at most competitive swimming meets and public pools.

In the UK, the "Top-ups scheme" calls for school children who cannot swim by the age of 11 to receive intensive daily lessons.

Children who have not reached Great Britain's National Curriculum standard of swimming 25 meters by the time they leave primary school receive a half-hour lesson every day for two weeks during term-time.

In most cases, boys and men swim with their upper body exposed, except in countries where custom or law prohibits it in a public setting, or for practical reasons such as sun protection.

The wetsuit is the usual choice for those who swim in cold water for long periods of time, as it reduces susceptibility to hypothermia.