Learn to Swim Before you can Walk

A brief history of how competitive swimming became a global phenomenon, was instrumental in military training and was a priority for babies to learn.

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” Lao Tzu

I have always been fascinated by both the beauty and the power of water. Many of us are lucky and have been taught to swim from an early age, and in the UAE, we are blessed with some beautiful beaches, oceans and pools that we can freely take advantage of. 

But along with its beauty and meditative magic, water is also a powerful element, whether that is a pool, or in the glittering, sometimes deceivingly calm sea waters.  Swimming safely is something that should not be taken for granted.  Even professionals with years of training and experience sometimes face difficulties.  Recently in the news, USA swim coach Andrea Fuentes swiftly, and heroically, dove into the water to rescue US artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez, who fell unconscious and sank to the bottom of the pool mid-competition. Living in a country popular for its vast oceans, we should all have at least a basic understanding of swim safety. with world drowning prevention day on 25^th July, check out our top swimming safety tips in our ‘How to…Swim safely guide.’

For those of you a little more curious, let’s dive into the evolution of swimming, which dates all the way back to 2500BCE in neighbouring Egypt. Ancient Greeks and Romans adopted swim training for soldiers of war, so much so that swimming became crucial in military training and became part of elementary education for males, initially.

Sync or Swim

Archaeologists also believe that Japan was swim racing as far back as the 1^st century BCE, with the very real possibility that children were taught to swim before they could even walk. Quickly gaining traction England created the National Swimming Society, later becoming the Swimming Association of Great Britain in 1874. Not far behind Australia began championing competitive swimming in the 19^th century, holding the first swimming championships in 1846. Now producing some of the worlds strongest and hugely decorated swimmers, it was in 1877 when the US joined the sport of swimming competitively.

Olympic Staying Power

Interestingly, swimming is one of only four sports to have been retained from the very first Olympic Games back in 1896, along with athletics, fencing and artistic gymnastics. Initially for male swimmers only, females were not allowed to compete until 1912 at the Stockholm Olympics.

Post World War 2, as technology developed at a rate to rival Michael Phelps speed, the tech transcended to the pool, with the inclusion of lane lines, indoor pools for competitions, and better drainage systems which improved the overall quality of the sport. In 1908 FINA (the international swimming federation) was established in London which ensured clear rules, standards, and structure were in place.  Ensuring the sport could be globally competitive and fair.

Further advancements were introduced in the 50s and 60s, where the first butterfly stroke was raced in 1956, and in 1968, 14 events for women (previously 8) were included and 15 for men (previously 10).

Swimming is one of the oldest sports that can be traced back hundreds of centuries, and can be enjoyed both for pleasure or competition by people of all ages. It’s no surprise that the sport was quickly picked up and developed by countries worldwide historically, including in the UAE. The UAE Swim Federation has a range of water sports on offer including: Swimming, water polo, high diving and rescue and underwater games. Previously the Federation has held a number of water safety awareness workshops aimed at educating children on swimming safely.

Active mile, as always encourages healthy activity and we love a refreshing swim, particularly in the warmer months.  But if you are going to swim…swim safely!