Uploaded by Mike Kel

HISTORY OF SWIMMING

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HANNA KIM ALMONTE
7 – ROSE
MAPEH 7
HISTORY OF SWIMMING
Swimming is an ancient activity that has taken place since both water and humans were on the earth.
Prehistoric drawings from the southwestern part of Egypt show original documentation of people
swimming. The images seem to show the dog paddle or breaststroke, but these may have been more
ritualistic than anything. Of course, anciently, swimming was done because it was necessary for survival.
Whether people needed to cross a river to safety on the other side or simply know how to tread water to
prevent drowning, swimming has certainly come a long way since its ancient days. Here is the history of
swimming in a competitive sense as it is known today.
SKILLS IN SWIMMING
Water Comfort
The most basic and essential swimming skill is simply becoming comfortable in the water. Although
humans are born with innate water skills, many people develop a fear of the water. When unintentional
submersion occurs, panicking gets in the way of logical thinking and increases the likelihood of
drowning. To become more comfortable in the water, spend time in a shallow pool or wading in the
ocean. Never enter the water alone, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
Breath Control
Breathing is often difficult for novice swimmers. With water all around, having some water enter the nose
and mouth is a common occurrence. Some novice swimmers panic at the feeling of water in their noses,
while others have trouble holding their breath while submerged. Learning to control your breathing is a
key component in learning to swim.
Breath control begins with simple exercises such as drawing a breath, submerging, blowing bubbles and
then resurfacing for another breath. As your swimming skills improve, you will learn specific breathing
techniques for different strokes. Work with a swimming coach or a friend or relative who is a strong
swimmer.
Floating
Floating, or keeping your body in a horizontal position in the water, is a basic water skill. If you
accidentally fall in the water, you may be able to float until you are rescued, even if you are not strong
enough to swim to safety. Humans are naturally buoyant, and floating is not difficult. Like any other skill,
however, floating does require a bit of technique. Get lessons from a coach or a competent friend or
relative.
Kicking
Kicking provides propulsion through the water. Once you are comfortable with floating, kicking is the
logical next step. Kicking is also used in treading water, which is the process of remaining in one place
while keeping your head above the water line. Many coaches use kickboards, or flat flotation devices
made of foam or plastic, to support the swimmer’s body. A kickboard allows you to focus solely on your
kicking technique without worrying about staying afloat.
Strokes
Strokes are the arm movements used to pull the body through the water. The front crawl, sidestroke,
breast stroke, backstroke and butterfly are the five most common swimming strokes. Each stoke uses
different body positioning, breathing techniques and arm movements. Training with a qualified
swimming coach is the best way to learn the various strokes.
EQUIPMENT IN SWIMMING
Swimsuit
You'll need a swimsuit unless you plan on skinny-dipping! Like many other things, technology has
entered the swimsuit arena as well. Fabrics are designed for minimal resistance through the water, they
tend to last a long time, and they resist fading even when used repeatedly in chlorinated pools. Of course,
not all of us would be comfortable in the skimpy racing suits that you see Olympians wear, but the good
news is that you can find more modest suits at sporting goods and department stores as well as through a
number of online vendors (see the resources section). Comfort is the most important quality in selecting a
swimsuit. You're less likely to swim if you're uncomfortable in your suit.
Goggles
Goggles protect your eyes from chlorine (and anything else that may be in the water), and they help you
keep your eyes open while you swim so that you can see where you're going. You can even get
prescription swim goggles if you wear glasses (check with your optician for availability). To find the right
pair of goggles, do the following:

Put the goggles over your eyes without slinging the strap over your head.

Press the goggles into your eye sockets and let go.

The goggles should stay in place.

Experiment until you find the pair that fits your eyes best.
Bathing caps
Bathing caps can serve several purposes. Some pool managers will require individuals with long hair to
wear caps to keep hair from getting into the pool, and some people just like to protect their hair from the
chlorine in the water. You may also decide to wear a bathing cap to cut down on resistance in the water.
This really works, and so if you're looking to increase your time a bit, a bathing cap might help. Many
caps are made of latex, although you can find silicone, neoprene (keeps you warm), and Lycra as well.
Choose the one that fits your head and is most comfortable.
Flotation devices and other equipment
There are a number of flotation devices and other equipment available to help you learn how to swim,
improve your swimming times if you start to get competitive, and add resistance to your water workouts
to build muscular strength and tone. Flotation devices help keep you afloat so that you can slow down and
work on your swim stroke without sinking or causing too much fatigue, and they help with confidence for
individuals who don't know how to swim. Read on to learn more about floatation devices.
Kickboards
Kickboards are devices made of foam or other materials that float, and they come in a variety of shapes
and sizes. The main purpose is for you to hold on and stay afloat while your legs do all the work. It's good
exercise for coordinating your kicking, and it gives your arms a rest. One technique that I suggest to
swimmers who want to keep swimming continuously without a break is to leave a kickboard at the end of
the pool, and when they get tired, grab the kickboard and do a lap or two with it until they get their arm
strength back, and then drop the kickboard off at the end of the pool and swim again until they need the
kickboard again. Many pools have kickboards available to try out.
Fins
Fins fit on your feet and add propulsion to your kicks (think of a duck's webfoot). They are great training
for your legs and will help you swim faster. They come in long fins for beginners who want to work on
their stroke and build up leg strength and ankle flexibility and short fins to help you go faster without
overworking your legs. Fins should fit snugly but not so tight that they cut into your foot or cut off
circulation. Wear socks with your fins if that feels more comfortable.
Gloves
Gloves, like hand paddles, also add resistance for your arms, although they are smaller than paddles and
so the resistance is lighter. These might be a better choice than paddles if you're just starting out with
resistance exercises in the water.
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