LET US READ AND PONDER.

Swimming is a good all-round activity because it keeps your heart rate up but takes some of the
impact stress off your body, builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness, helps
maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs. Additionally, swimming is the only exercise that
has an effect on the entire body.

SWIMMING POOL HISTORY

Did you know that the famous Titanic was the first cruise ship to have a swimming pool aboard for
guests? DO YOU AGREE? According to social media based from the facts, Titanic is only 2nd
cruise ship to have a swimming pool. The first was aboard ADRIATIC—the sister ship of Titanic.

The facts on swimming pool history led to some additional searching and came across a timeline of
pool history which was put together by the folks at SWIMMING POOL.COM.

SWIMMING POOL EVOLUTION – A TIMELINE:

 2500 BC: Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting swimming.

 36 BC: Japanese historic records describe swimming competitions.
 78 AD: Romans introduced swimming as a social event to Britain.
 1400s: The Catholic Church objects to naked bathing on moral grounds.
 1800s: Acrobatic diving is developed in Germany and Sweden.
 1830s: Swimming clubs are established in England.
 1844: The Breaststroke loses popularity after Britain is introduced to the Native American
“Crawl.”
 1862: The First documented indoor swimming pool is built in England.
 1885: The first diving competition is held in Germany. Briton Matthew Webb is the first •
documented person to swim the English Channel.
 1900: The Paris Olympics feature an obstacle swimming event in the Seine River.
 1907: The White star line installs a swimming pool on its ocean liner, The Adriatic.
 1908: The international governing body of swimming, FINA (Federation Internationale de
Nataion de Amateur), is founded.
 1912: Women’s swimming events are added to Olympic Games in Stockholm.
 1924: Johnny Weissmuller sets 67 world swimming records before becoming a Hollywood
movie star.
 1943: Two-piece swimsuits are introduced after wartime shortages prompt a 10% reduction in the
amount of fabric used to create swimsuits.
 1972: Mark Spitz wins seven gold medals in the Summer Olympics.
 2008: American Michael Phelps becomes the world’s most decorated Olympic swimming with a
career total of 14 gold medals.
 Today: The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates there are more than 10 • million
swimming pools across the USA, including more than 360,000 public pools that are open year
round.

Swimming emerged as a competitive recreational activity in the 1830s in England. In 1828, the first
indoor swimming pool, St George's Baths was opened to the public.[6] By 1837, the National
Swimming Society was holding regular swimming competitions in six artificial swimming pools,
built around London. The recreational activity grew in popularity and by 1880, when the first
national governing body, the Amateur Swimming Association was formed, there were already over
300 regional clubs in operation across the country.
SOCIAL BENEFITS OF SWIMMING

While the physical and health benefits of swimming are often talked about, many people overlook
the numerous social benefits and opportunities that swimming can bring to participants. If you’re
looking to increase opportunities for socialization and improve vital social skills, swimming is a great
way to do so. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways swimming pools can improve your social life.

INCREASED SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

For youngsters and adults alike, swimming is a great way to meet new friends and connect with those
with similar interests. Swimming pools serve as a hub for all sorts of activities, social gatherings, and
community activities, including:

 Swimming lessons
 Pool exercise classes
 Competitive swim teams
 Pool parties & backyard barbecues
 Community pools
 Water parks

All these activities and locations provide a way to meet new people in a fun, no-pressure situation.
These activities also provide for natural conversation starters, which can help you break the ice and
avoid awkward silences that can happen when meeting new people.

FOSTERS VALUABLE TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

If you’re a part of a competitive swim team, or even just having fun playing family-friendly pool
games in your backyard, you’re automatically learning how to work as a team to accomplish a shared
goal. Understanding how to work alongside people who are different than you is an incredibly
valuable social skill that is necessary for success at work, school, and at home.

Especially for kids and young adults, swimming is a great way to get all the social benefits,
leadership, teamwork, and life skills that come from being a part of an athletic team — without many
of the physical risks that come with other competitive, full-contact sports.

BOOSTS CONFIDENCE

Swimming has been linked to helping boost confidence in numerous ways.

 Look good, feel good. The physical benefits of swimming help people feel better about their
bodies, which in turn make them more comfortable in their own skin and confident in
themselves.
 Reaching goals. Setting and reaching their physical and personal goals, such as mastering a
difficult stroke/dive, losing weight, or leading your swim team to victory, often serves as a
confidence booster for swimmers.
 Finding your niche. In general, participating in activities you enjoy, investing in a hobby, and
feeling like you belong to a social circle helps you become more well-rounded and confident.
Confidence and high self-worth is a key component in almost all areas of life, from relationship-
building to succeeding in the workplace. Swimming can be a great way for people of all ages to
build confidence by reaching personal goals, connecting with others, and feeling a sense of
purpose.

If you or your child is struggling to make friends or find an enjoyable social activity, maybe it’s time
to give swimming a try. Of course, swimming is much more fun & social when you have great pool
toys and floats to use when enjoying the water. We’ve got you covered there…
15 BENEFITS OF SWIMMING

Swimming offers a variety of benefits to mental and physical health.

1. A WHOLE-BODY WORKOUT

Swimming engages almost every major muscle group, requiring a person to use their arms, legs,
torso, and stomach.

Swimming also:

 increases the heart rate without putting stress on the body

 improves strength
 tones muscles
 enhances fitness
 helps to manage weight

2. BUILDING CARDIOVASCULAR STRENGTH

Cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as cardio, involves the heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
A thorough workout routine, such as one that features swimming, will include this type of exercise.
Research suggests that swimmers have half the mortality rate of inactive people. A study from 2016
indicates that swimming can help to lower blood pressure and control blood sugar levels.

3. SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES AND FITNESS LEVELS

Some types of exercise may be challenging for people who are new or feel very unfit. However,
swimming allows a person to go at their own pace, and it can be inviting for newcomers. A person
can learn to swim at a very young age, and most swimming pools have a designated area for
beginners and people who prefer to swim slowly.

4. A GREAT SKILL TO HAVE

The benefits of learning to swim safely and confidently can extend beyond mental and physical
fitness. In some cases, it may even be lifesaving.

5. GOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH INJURIES

Having an injury or conditions, such as arthritis, can make it difficult to do high-impact exercise.
Because water gently supports the muscles, swimming is preferred by many who are unable to take
part in high-impact, high-resistance exercises.

6. GOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

A physical disability, such as paraplegia, can limit workout options. Because water provides
resistance and support, many people find that swimming is an ideal option. Because swimming can
boost confidence and improve social skills, it may benefit people with mental disabilities.

7. HELPING WITH ASTHMA

In addition to building cardiovascular strength, swimming can increase lung capacity and improve
control over breathing. While the humid air of indoor pools may also help to improve asthma
symptoms, some studies indicate that disinfectant chemicals used in pools can make symptoms
worse. They may also increase the likelihood of a swimmer developing the condition.
8. IMPROVING SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

Water keeps limbs buoyant, so people with MS may benefit from the support and gentle resistance
that water provides. One study noted a significant reduction in pain when people with MS took part
in a 20-week swimming program. Participants also reported improvements in MS-related fatigue and
depression.

9. SAFE DURING PREGNANCY

Swimming is a recommended form of exercise for pregnant people. Added weight can cause joint
and muscle pain during pregnancy. Swimming is especially popular with pregnant people because
the water can support this weight. This helps to feel more comfortable while staying fit. It is always a
good idea to consult a doctor when undertaking a new form of activity during pregnancy.

10. BURNING CALORIES

Swimming is an excellent way to burn calories. The amount burned depends on a person’s weight
and how vigorously they swim. Use this calories calculator to determine how many calories are
burned while working out.

11. VARIETY AND FUN

People tend to get bored with repetitive exercise, but there are many ways to keep swimming
interesting. There are several strokes to master and flotation aids to try. Also, classes in water
aerobics and polo, as well as racing and diving, can help to add variety.

12. HELPING TO IMPROVE SLEEP

A trial involving older adults with insomnia reported improved sleep in those who exercised
regularly. A 2010 review determined that around half of the older adult population reports difficulty
sleeping. If accessible, swimming may benefit those who seek better sleep.

13. BOOSTING MOODS

Exercise releases endorphins, which improve the mood. Swimming may also boost confidence and
social skills, which can impact a person’s self-esteem. A 2014 pilot study involving people with
dementia showed that those who swam regularly in a 12-week period showed an improvement in
mood.

14. MANAGING STRESS

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. It can also redirect the mind away from
troubling thoughts. Though more research is needed, even 20 minutes of physical activity a week
may help a person to feel more relaxed.

15. ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE

Many towns and cities offer public pools with discounted rates. Some offer free access at certain
times or free swimming lessons. Swimming in a lake or ocean may be an attractive option. Always
take safety precautions, such as ensuring supervision, when swimming in open waters.