Many animals are born with the ability to swim. Humans need to be taught by someone. Some people go their whole lives without ever learning how to swim, causing them to fear water. But learning to swim is important for several reasons. And it is recommended that you learn at a young age when it is easier to develop the ability.
Personal Safety
An obvious reason for learning how to swim is to acquire the ability to survive in water. At one time or another, you are bound to find yourself in or near water. You could be on a cruise or a boating trip, fishing on a dock or a bridge, or lounging by a pool with friends. If the water is deeper than your height, and you find yourself in it, knowing how to swim could save your life.
Rescuing Others
You may find yourself in a situation in which someone else needs help in the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3,400 people drown in the United States every year. If you know how to swim, you might have a chance of saving them. Having the ability to swim is especially important if you are a parent or someone who works around children, as drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children less than 14 years old.
Health
Most doctors agree that swimming is a very good form of exercise. It requires you to use many of the muscles in your body and therefore is great for building strength and endurance and is beneficial for your metabolism and cardiovascular system. The water provides a natural resistance when you are swimming while also making the activity less strenuous on the body. Water, in most cases, also provides a natural cooling element for the body.
Pleasure
The pleasure of being able to spend time in the water is very important. A good swim in the pool or in the ocean on a hot summer day can help you feel more comfortable. A workout in the water can leave you feeling relaxed and physically fit. And the water is a great way to be social with friends through activities like surfing, water skiing or jet skiing. These exciting activities are difficult to take part in without the knowledge of swimming.
Member Comments