DISCOVER SWIMMING

Are you looking for a sport that benefits your entire body and relaxes you at the same time? It’s time to dive into the swimming pool!

Although being in the water is second nature to some, one in five adults can’t swim.

So, do you already enjoy swimming or would you like to learn?

Swimming can be either for fun or sport. Follow our guide on how to start properly, according to your personal objectives and strengths.

Learn how swimming originated as a sport, the rules to follow in the pool and in competition, the health benefits, and the equipment you need to get started in the water.

1 WHAT IS SWIMMING?

We might as well take the plunge right away: swimming is about moving in the water. So to swim, all you have to do is swim. Let that sink in for a second... now let’s take a look at why we swim and how to do it.

Although swimming can be traced back to ancient times, swimming didn’t begin to develop as a sport until the 1830s in England. The Swimming Federation of India was established in 1948. Swimming is now practised as a sport around the world and is considered a major sport in North America, Europe, Australia, India, and other Asian countries.

To move beyond simply taking a relaxing dip, the sport of swimming consists of four main strokes: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly.

You can learn to swim in a pool, from the age of 6 or 7. Once you have progressed from splashing around to doing the breaststroke—with the help of your local lifeguard or swim coach—you can swim at your own pace in a pool or in open water. Swimming on the sofa has pretty obvious limitations.

Do you want to practise swimming in a more sustained manner? Join a club to train, or take part in competitions.

In swimming clubs, swimming is practised through racing, and some have a clear preference for sprinting. If you prefer endurance swimming, open-water swimming involves races that are between 5 and 25 km. That’s right!

2 THE RULES OF SWIMMING

Let’s start with the basics: before getting into the water, a sign reminds you to take a shower and wash your feet to eliminate any germs and bacteria.

Avoid running at the side of the pool, or bumping into other swimmers who are not in the water: you don’t want to make the lifeguards angry (not to mention hurt someone). Consider your own safety and the safety of those around you.

In competition, you can have 7 or 9 opponents in timed races. You go through the events, sometimes getting to the semi-finals and finals to reach the podium.

Races are divided by swim styles and distances. The strokes of each style are strictly defined, so you will have to curb your desire to improvise.

3 THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING

If you’re looking for a sport that’s good for your health, you’re in the right place. Swimming in the lanes of a pool causes no stress or micro-trauma to the body Lack of contact and relative weightlessness are good for your muscles and joints. You can work your muscles and cardio at your own pace, without straining. Swimming is a relaxing activity for the body, and also for the mind. Hence the expression "swimming in happiness." Consult your doctor to be sure no medical issues stand in your way.

4 IS SWIMMING FOR YOU?

Swimming is a sport that has few restrictions. It can even be recommended for asthma, back, or joint problems.

And if you don’t know how to swim, adult classes are also available. After all, you’ll never know how to ski or ride a bike until you learn. And just like riding a bike, you’re never too old to get in the water. It’s even easier to learn to swim and synchronize your movements as an adult. In individual or group lessons, expect to take between 10 and 15 lessons of 30 to 45 minutes before experiencing the joy of swimming your first 25 metres alone.

If you already practise other sports, you can use swimming as part of cooling down, recovery, or physiotherapy.

It’s also a sport that’s easy to access in terms of timetables and equipment. In winter and summer, you can always find an hour in your week or day for your dose of chlorine.

In competition or leisure, swimming allows you to physically make progress while relaxing.

5 WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO PRACTISE SWIMMING

Before getting into the water, you’ll need a bathing suit. One-piece, two-piece, or even a wetsuit, depending on your sport and your goals. Goggles and a bathing cap are also useful accessories to have in the pool for the sake of hygiene and your comfort. And to keep your feet dry and clean at the edge of the water, we recommend wearing flip-flops or sandals. Enjoy: it’s also the only place where flip-flops give you credibility. If you want to train, you can opt for pads, boards, fins, and other accessories. Finally, if you want to improve your times, have fun and feel happy with yourself, dive into the pool!