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.
England is recognized as the first country to participate in swimming as a recreation and competitive sport. In
1837, competitions were held in man-made pools in London. The National Swimming Society in England
organized the competitions which grew quickly in popularity. The first indoor pool in the history of swimming
was constructed in 1862 in England. Soon, more pools were built and another swimming organization was
established in 1880. It was known as the Amateur Swimming Association of Great Britain, an organization
with more than 300 member clubs. The main swimming styles utilized in competitions were the breaststroke and
the recently developed sidestroke.
HISTORY OF SWIMMING IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Americans introduced swimming as a comparative sport to the Philippines in the 1900s. Through the
pioneering efforts of YMCA leaders working among the American Military forces, the rudiments of the sports
were impressed upon the Filipinos who saw in 1907 the construction of the first swimming pool in the country. In
1911, Filipinos watched avidly from the sidelines as the first swimming championship meet was held at the
American Columbia Club swimming pool with competing American teams from the Manila YMCA, the
American Columbia Club, and the USS Saratoga. Filipinos were quick to learn, and by 1912, a number of local
swimmers had emerged from different parts of the country who competed against each other in championships
organized by the Americans. Out of the 42 individual entries, the late Condrado Benitez emerged as the most
outstanding Filipino swimmer. During the Far Eastern Games held in Manila in 1913, the Philippine Team
composed of Condrado Benitez, J. del Pan, C. Aiville, and L. Cristobal won the championship against China and
Japan. In the following decade, educational institutions, the first of which was the University of the Philippines,
followed later on by the Philippine Women’s University, trained swimmers. The year 1928 saw the greatest
achievement of a Filipino in the sport. Nicknamed the "Ilocano Shark," Teofilo E. Yldelfonso won the
Philippines its first Olympic medal by winning bronze in the 200 m breaststroke event at the 1928 Olympics in
Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He repeated this feat in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, California, when he won
his second bronze medal, becoming the first Filipino to win multiple medals in the Olympics. However, his
performance declined in the next games. He died fighting for the country during World War II. The war brought a
pause to swimming competitions, as with the other sports. But when it ended, the Filipinos started another wave
in its showcase of swimming excellence. The succeeding years up to 1951 saw the staging of the sixth Formosa –
Philippines Biennial Swimming championship meets the 9th and 10th Far Eastern Games and the series of
Manila-Honkong Interport Swimming meets wherein Filipino men and women swimmers showed outstanding
performance. The first Asian Games held in New Delhi, India in 1951 saw Filipinos Artemio Salamat and Jacinto
Cayco win gold medals for the 200m and 100m breaststroke events, respectively.

SWIMMING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Swimwear is made so that it is comfortable to wear when getting into the
water. Remember that most swimwear is made of materials that don’t quickly
soak up water. Also, the swimsuit is made to fit close to the body, making it
easier to move around in the water.

Swimming caps are another important piece of swimming gear, especially

when swimming in a pool. Most swimming caps are made of a material that is
a little bit slippery and has rubber to keep hair from getting wet. As everyone
knows, chlorine is used in swimming pools to clean the water and stop bacteria
and other tiny organisms from growing in the water. But the chlorine in pool
water is bad for hair because it makes it feel rough and dry. For this reason, a
swimming cap keeps hair safe from chlorine and makes swimming more
accessible, especially for people with long hair. Loose hair is very annoying
because it can get in the way when swimming.
Swimming goggles keep water out of your eyes so that it doesn’t get in them
when you’re swimming. For some swimming moves, the swimmer has to get
into the water. With the help of swimming goggles, swimmers can see better
under the water and don’t have to worry about their eyes hurting from the
chlorine in pool water.
Swimming tires and floats are pieces of swimming gear that help swimmers
stay afloat. These two tools can be used by people who don’t know how to
swim yet, but also by people who do know how to swim.
Tires and swimming buoys keep the body balanced, so it doesn’t sink too
quickly. Not only that but swimming tires and buoys are great for practicing
leg movements and giving your hands a break while you swim.
Pull buoys are also made up of swimming gear for the legs. On the other hand,
pull buoys are used to train the upper body, especially the hands, for
swimming. If you want to get better at the butterfly stroke, pull buoys are a
great way to do it. When swimming butterfly, the legs usually sink, so pull
buoys are used to keep the legs up. When the pull buoys are attached, the feet
won’t be able to move because they will be tight. When swimming, swimmers
will move their hands to keep moving forward.
You can use swimming gear like frog legs or fins if you want to swim quickly.
As the name suggests, the ends of frog legs are long and wide. Even though it
feels like your legs are heavier when you move them, frog legs are a great way
to kick so you can swim faster. So, it makes sense that divers also use frog legs
as part of their gear in the sea.
Since swimming involves water, don’t forget to bring a towel. When you
swim, you get wet and need to dry off immediately to avoid getting a cold.
This is especially true when you get out of the water. Use a thick towel that
soaks up moisture quickly, so the body dries quickly.
 Sunblock is an essential piece of swimming gear that you shouldn’t forget.
Even so, many people still don’t use sunblock before going swimming.
Sunblock is essential because it keeps the skin from getting burned. Putting on
sunblock before swimming is a great way to keep your skin from turning red or
sunburned. Choose a waterproof sunblock, so it doesn’t wash off easily when
you swim. Also, ensure the sunblock you choose has a high SPF value to
protect your skin from UV rays.
Some swimmers use earplugs to block water from entering the ear canal while
they are swimming. Excess water entering the ear can cause discomfort for
several hours after swimming and can also increase your chances of developing
an outer ear infection, known as "swimmer's ear." Some swimmers also use
nose clips to prevent water from entering their noses while they are swimming.

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, breaststroke,
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.

Sculling
Sculling while swimming gives you a feel for moving through the water and keeps you from sinking in the water.
It's one of the first safety skills beginners learn, yet expert synchronized swimmers and water polo players also
depend on sculling.

Diving
Diving into the pool is one of the necessary swimming skills — even if it starts outside of the water. Always
practice diving in a deep pool with a lifeguard on duty. When you begin, diving may only involve putting your
hands together above your head and gently curling your body forward toward the water until you fall in, headfirst.
As you progress, try jumping slightly and straightening your legs behind you as you dive to enter the water
smoothly.

KINDS OF STROKES

4 Competitive Swimming Strokes

There are four main swimming strokes widely taught and practiced around the world. These feature in swimming
competitions from grade school to the elite athletic level.
1. Breaststroke
Swimmers perform the breaststroke with their bodies facing down in the water. The synchronous arm stroke pulls
down and back, and the leg movement is a frog kick or whip kick, in which the legs spread away from each other,
and then snap together in a propulsive motion. This stroke, the slowest competitive stroke, is popular with
competitive swimmers and makes for an excellent workout.
2. Backstroke
Swimmers perform the backstroke on their backs with their faces pointed upward. The backstroke kick is a
continuous flutter kick, and the arm movement is alternating, reaching backward and then pulling inward and
back under the water.
3. Front crawl
Also known as freestyle stroke, the front crawl is the fastest stroke and one of the most efficient. The swimmer
faces forward, using each alternating arm to slip into the water before their head, then pull back underwater.
Simultaneously, the legs perform a steady flutter kick.
4. Butterfly
The butterfly stroke is one of the most dynamic strokes. Many swimmers consider it the most challenging stroke,
and it also makes for a robust workout, especially for the upper body, as it requires arm and upper-back strength.
The swimmer reaches forward with both arms in a single coordinated movement, pulling themselves forward
while kicking with both feet together in an undulating motion that’s called the dolphin kick.

4 Swimming Strokes for Fitness and Recreation

The following swimming strokes can be an excellent workout and can help you develop stamina, efficiency, and
comfort in the water.
1. Elementary backstroke
The elementary backstroke is an excellent way for beginners to get comfortable and fit in the water. The arms and
legs move in a coordinated open-and-shut movement, first drifting outward so that the body resembles an “X,”
then forcefully coming back into alignment to propel the swimmer forward. The leg movements are similar to the
breaststroke kick but occur while the body is facing upward.
2. The sidestroke
The sidestroke is an efficient and relaxing stroke that’s good for beginners and suitable for longer-distance
swimming where energy conservation is crucial. Lifeguards often use the sidestroke, as it can be swum with one
arm, while the other is available to pull a person in distress. The swimmer’s body position is sideways in the
water. The legs perform a scissor kick and the arms alternate with the top arm pulling out in front of the chest
while the bottom arm pulls downward toward the bottom of the pool.
3. Trudgen
The trudgen is a hybrid stroke that combines elements of the sidestroke and the front crawl. Perform a scissor kick
while the arm pulls alternate, just like the front crawl, to propel through the water.
4. Combat side stroke
The CSS is a swimming stroke explicitly designed for efficiency and a low profile for the swimmer. Developed
by and for U.S. Navy SEALS, it is a full-body workout, and you can swim it over long distances in open water.

SWIMMING RULES AND REGULATIONS

The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions for competition and to
promote uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer
gets an unfair competitive advantage over another swimmer. The technical rules for each stroke may be found in
the publication “Unites States Swimming Rules and Regulations”. You can ask the coach to see a copy of this
booklet.
Competitive Strokes
The four competitive strokes are (1) freestyle, (2) backstroke, (3) breaststroke, and (4) butterfly. Events are held
in all of the competitive strokes at varying distances depending on the age group of the swimmer. In addition,
there is a combination of the strokes swum by one swimmer called the individual medley (IM). Other swimming
events include relays, which are a group of four swimmers who either all swim freestyle (freestyle relay) or each
swim one of the competitive strokes in the order of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle (medley
relay).
Freestyle
In Freestyle events, the competitor may swim any stroke. The stroke most commonly used is sometimes called the
crawl, which is characterized by the alternate stroking of the arms over the water surface and an alternating (up-
and-down) flutter kick. On turns and finishes, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. Most swimmers do
a flip turn.

Backstroke
The Backstroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flutter kick while on the back. On turns,
swimmers may rotate to the stomach and perform a flip turn and some part of the swimmer must touch the wall.
The swimmer must finish on the back.

Breaststroke
The Breaststroke requires simultaneous movements of the arms on the same horizontal plane. The hands are
pressed out from in front of the breast in a heart-shaped pattern and recovered under or on the surface of the
water. The kick is a simultaneous somewhat circular motion similar to the action of a frog. On turns and at the
finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously at, above or below the water surface.
Butterfly
The Butterfly features a simultaneous recovery of the arms over the water combined with an undulating dolphin
kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not flutter, scissors or use the breaststroke
kick. Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously on the turns and the finish.
Individual Medley
Commonly referred to as the I.M., features all four strokes. In the IM, the swimmer begins with the butterfly, then
changes after one-fourth of the race to backstroke, then breaststroke and finally freestyle.
Starts
The swimmers are not allowed a false start. If they jump the start and the starter thinks they are trying to get an
advantage (whether intentional or not-it does not matter), they will be taken out of the race. This is not like the
Olympics where they are allowed two false starts.
Turns and Finishes
• Freestyle: feet have to touch the wall
• Backstroke: swimmers have to be on their back when they touch the wall. After he/she touches, he/she can then
turn around, but he/she must push off on their back. At the finish, a swimmer must finish on his/her back. A
swimmer may not roll over and grab the wall until they have first touched it.
• Breaststroke and Butterfly:
1. Swimmers have to touch with both hands at the same time.
2. A swimmer may not freestyle kick off the wall in either breaststroke or butterfly.
3. When swimming butterfly, both arms must move at the same time.
Technical Rules
Trained officials observe the swimmers during each event to ensure compliance with these technical rules. If a
swimmer commits an infraction of the rules, he/she will be disqualified from that event. This simply means
he/she will not receive an official time, nor be eligible for an award in that event. Disqualifications may result
from actions such as not getting to the starting blocks on time, false starting, walking on or pushing off the bottom
of the pool, pulling on the landline, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Technical rule violations for each stroke may include:
Freestyle:
 Walking on the bottom
 Pulling on the lane rope
 Not touching the wall on a turn
 Not completing the distance

Backstroke:
 Turning past the vertical onto the stomach and gliding or kicking into the wall on the turn (the roll must
be part of a continuous turning action)
 Pushing off the wall on the stomach after a turn
 Not remaining on back while swimming
 Turning onto stomach before the finish
Butterfly:
 Alternating movements of the arms or legs
 Pushing the arms forward instead of over the surface of the water
 Using a breaststroke-style kick
 Touching with only one hand at the turns or at the finish
Breaststroke:
  Using either a flutter, dolphin, or scissor kick instead of the breaststroke kick
 Shoulders not level
 Alternating movements of the arms
 Head not coming out of the water for each stroke including one pull and kick
 Touching with one hand at the turns or at the finish

Rules on how to use the pool

 Swimmers must be free of colds and other contagious diseases.
 No hairpins, barrettes, jewelry, or glasses.
 No food, drink, or gum anywhere on deck.
 No recreational equipment unless authorized by a lifeguard.
 All must shower before using the pool.
 No spitting or blowing nose in the pool.
 All children must be accompanied by an adult.
 No running, pushing, dunking, or rough play in the pool area, showers, or locker rooms.
 No diving in the shallow end.
 Do not stand, play, or jump off ladders or railings.
 Stay clear of handicapped ramps and railings at all times.
 Starting blocks are only used by school athletic teams, not recreational use.
 Non-swimmers must stay in the bleachers section of the pool area.
 All injuries must be reported to the lifeguard on duty.
 All swimmers must pass a “deep end test” by the lifeguard before attempting to swim in the deep end or
using the diving board.
 All must wear a bathing cap if the hair is beyond collar length.
 Always enter the water forward without flipping.

Diving Rules
 One diver on board at a time (all others must be on the pool deck).
 The diving area must be clear before diving.
 Dive or jump straight off the board.
 After diving immediately swim to clearance.
 No cross-pool swimming in diving area.