Swimming

Swimming is the method by which living creatures move themselves through water in a method not involving simply walking on the bottom. Swimming is a popular recreational activity and a competitive sport. There are many health benefits of swimming, but it also entails risks if basic precautions are not taken.

Occupational swimming

A number of people enter the water and swim as part of their work. For example, abalone divers or pearl divers swim and dive to obtain an economic benefit, as do spear fishermen.

Related Topics:
Abalone - Pearl - Spear fishermen

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Swimming is used to rescue other swimmers in distress. There are a number of specialized swimming styles specially for rescue purposes (see List of swimming styles). Such techniques are studied for example by lifeguards, or members of the Coast Guard. The training of these techniques also evolved into competitions, as for example surf lifesaving.

Related Topics:
List of swimming styles - Lifeguards - Coast Guard - Surf lifesaving

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Swimming is also done for scientific research. Swimming is studied to improve the swimming performances of competitive swimmers. Swimming is also used in marine biology to observe plants and animals in their natural habitat. Other sciences may also use swimming. Konrad Lorenz for example swam with geese as part of his studies of animal behavior.

Related Topics:
Marine biology - Konrad Lorenz - Geese - Animal behavior

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Swimming also has military purposes besides the mere need to cross waters. A swimmer in the water or under the water can be difficult to detect, especially at night. Military swimming is usually done by Special forces, as for example Navy SEALS. Swimming is used to approach a location, gather intelligence, sabotage, or combat, and to depart a location. This may also include airborne insertion into water or leaving a submerged submarine through a hatch or the torpedo tubes. Special equipment and techniques are also used to engage hostiles in and under water.

Related Topics:
Military - Special forces - Navy SEALS - Submarine

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Swimming more recently has become a professional sport as well. Companies such as Speedo and TYR Sports Inc. sponsor swimmers just as Nike might sign contracts with basketball players. Also cash awards are given at many of the major competitions for breaking records. An example of a professional swimmer is Michael Phelps who has a contract with Speedo.

Related Topics:
Speedo - TYR Sports Inc. - Nike

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