Swimming

What is swimming ?

• Swimming is the self-propulsion of a person through water for survival, recreation, sports, exercises or other reasons.
• Floating at the time of emergency, evacuation or any accident.
• The technique of floating keeps you surviving till help and assistance reaches you

Swimming gears

Items or equipments used for swimming

Swim suit

• A specially designed outfit worn to reduce drag and enhance movement in water.

Swim cap

• A tight-fitting cap used to streamline the head and protect hair from chlorine.

Goggles

• Eyewear that protects the eyes and helps swimmers see clearly underwater.

Swim fins

• Fin-like accessories worn on the feet to increase speed and leg strength.

Drag suit

• A resistance-training swimsuit that adds drag to build strength and endurance.

Paddles

• Hand-held tools used to improve stroke technique and build upper body power.

Kick board

• A flotation device used to isolate and strengthen the legs during kicking drills.

Various styles of swimming

For better performance various styles of swimming is used by swimmers

Front crawl (free style)

• This style is performed with head facing down, arms pushing water in a cycle and with scissors kick/ flutter kick/ up and down leg kicks.
• One arm always rests at the front while other arms, performs a cycle back through water.

Breast stroke

• Performed face down in the water without rotating the torso.
• The arms stay in the water and move synchronously while the legs perform a frog kick.
• The head is kept elevated out of the water throughout the stroke

Butterfly

• Like a breast stroke it is performed face down in water the legs perform a dolphin kick while the arms move in a forward circle at the same time.

Dog paddle

• Performed face over water and paddling with alternate hands often with the nose and mouth above the water.

Back stroke

• This style is also known as back crawl.
• In this style the chest is facing the sky and one is lying on the back.
• Both arms move synchronized with a small synchronized kick.

Snorkeling

• Swimming at the water’s surface using a snorkel to breathe while observing underwater life

Fin swimming

• A high-speed swimming sport using monofins or bifins and snorkels for rapid propulsion

Sidestroke

• A relaxed swimming stroke performed on the side, using a scissor kick and alternating arm pull

Combat side stroke

• A low-profile, energy-efficient stroke used by military forces for stealth and endurance in water

Tips in swimming

• Swimmer must focus on exhalation and not on inhalation.
• The exhalation must be done underwater.

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• When you are not breathing, you should keep your head still.

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• When you move through water you create a ‘bow wave’ with your head and body.

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• Do not lift your head while swimming.

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• Do not over rotate your head. You should rotate up to the extent when you see your sides.

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• Rotate the body till the extent you feel comfortable.
• This helps in your breathing.

• Once you are comfortable keeping your face/ head in the water while swimming you need to figure out how and when to breathe.

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• When you breathe in, your mouth should be out of water.

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• The mouth should be closed while the face is in the water.
• As the face is inside the water a small amount of air should be released so as to avoid water entering the nose

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• When the face turns sideways after being lifted out of water one should exhale as much as possible with the help of nose and mouth.

Precautions while swimming

• Never swim alone.
• Know the depth of the water.
• A strict discipline must be followed in the pool.
• Never dive in the shallow end of the pool.
• Wear proper kit while swimming.
• You should know your limits.
• Don’t drink more water when you go for swimming.
• Proper floatation devices must be standby/ ready when you are swimming.
• Follow all instructions & safety precautions promulgated by the authorities.
• Swim always within designated areas.
• All precautions must be taken to keep the water clean &hygienic.
• All possible medical care must be taken to protect yourself for various infections due to water of swimming pool.