Swimming

Swimming has long been regarded as a useful activity and has been variously applied—most prominently for recreational, occupational, and sport purposes. Types of swimming These include: Recreational swimming. Occupational swimming. Competitive swimming.
Recreational swimming: Recreational swimming has been considered a good way to relax while also enjoying a full-body workout. There are several swimming styles that are considered suitable for recreational swimming. These include freestyle, butterfly stroke, breaststroke, side stroke, front crawl and dog paddle. The front crawl is considered most suitable for recreational swimming that takes place indoors or in controlled environments. Occupational swimming: Some occupations require that the practitioners swim, such as in pearl diving, spear fishing, etc. Other occupations that require swimming include those of lifeguards, to rescue swimmers in distress, in marine biology, to observe plants and animals in different natural aquatic habitats, military purposes, professional sport, etc. Competitive swimming: Competitive swimming has been reported and documented across the ages, beginning in the Stone Age. It started in an organized form in Europe in the 1800s, and became part of the Olympic Games in 1896.
Benefits and uses of swimming
Swimming is used as a relaxation technique when combined with pleasant environment. It is believed to reduce the harmful effects of stress. Swimming is a great form of exercise as it provides a complete workout for the body, while placing less stress on joints and bones. It is an aerobic form of exercise as it requires the constant consumption of oxygen. It is used for rehabilitation after injuries or in treating those with disabilities. Resistance swimming is done for training purposes, to hold the swimmer in place for stroke analysis or for swimming in a confined space for athletic or therapeutic purposes. This can be carried out against a stream of moving water or by binding the swimmer in place with elastic attachments. It can also be used to define and enhance physique. This is because appropriate training will result in the development of good posture, a strong, spare physique and builds stamina.
The benefits of swimming can be summed up as including stress reduction, Cardiovascular fitness, weight control, good muscle tone and stamina, reduced cholesterol, and blood pressure control.
Risks of swimming Swimming has been considered arelatively safe form of exercise with a high health potential and lowrisk of injury. Despite this there are certain risks that include:
Drowning. Inhalation of water. Adverse effects of immersion, such as secondary drowning, salt water syndrome, exostosis, etc. Exposure to chemicals such as chlorine and the resultant damages to the skin, hair, and eyes. Infections, such as athlete’s foot, diarrhea, ear infections and conditions such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. Overuse injury. Injuries resulting from adverse water and weather conditions. Injuries sustained from objects in the water. Dangers from aquatic organisms such as jelly fish.
Enhancing the swimming experience One can derive the maximum benefits from swimming by following a few simple measures. These include:
Appropriate training. Use of swimming safety aids during the preliminary stages. Appropriate swimwear. Protective gear for the eyes, ears and hair. Use of rafts while swimming with children.