INTRODUCTION TO SWIMMING  14 classifications

 1 - 10 – athletes with physical

impairment
OUTLINE
 11 – 13 – visually impaired athletes
I. Objectives - uses the floating rope/divider in
II. Swimming the pool as a guide
III. Values of Swimming - pool floors also have markings
IV. History of Swimming - Tappers – trained people at the
V. History of Swimming: Philippines end of the pool to tap the head of
VI. Health Benefits of Swimming the athlete to let them know they are
VII. Swimming Equipment near the end of the pool
VIII. Swimming Facility  14 – intellectual impairment
IX. Competitive Swimming
 Millions of people enjoy swimming in lakes, oceans,
X. Basic Safety Guidelines for Swimming
rivers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools
o Babies cannot swim
 They are not old enough to move their
OBJECTIVES
limbs especially in moving through the
 Trace the brief history of Swimming water.
 Realize the values, beliefs, and relevance of Swimming  Infant swimming – phenomenon
 Movements that babies make when they
 Know the Swimming Equipment and Faculty
are in the water are primitive reflexive
 Know the Basic Safety Guidelines and Basic Skills for
movement
Swimming
 Learn and practice the uses of swimming equipments
 Learn the basic rules in swimming as sports
 Be aware of the importance of swimming related activities
such as water safety and sports
 Develop self-confidence and overcome fear of water

Fig 1. For all ages and any body forms

WHAT IS SWIMMING

 Swimming, in recreation and sports, the act of moving

through the water by combines arm and leg motions and
the natural floatation of the body
 Swimming is an individual or team sport that involves
using arms and legs to move the body through water

PURPOSES
Fig 2. An activity for everyone
Fun and Recreation Exercise/Work-out
VALUES OF SWIMMING
Relaxation Sports
1. COMPETITIVE VALUES
Saving Lives/Rescue o Humans are naturally competitive.
o This is also a way for us to validate ourselves.
SWIMMING: WHO AND WHERE o Set standards for ourselves
o Sports competitions are also a way to have fun
 People for ALL ages, from young to adult, and any body and develop moral values, especially our social
forms skills
o Even for people with special needs 2. THERAPEUTIC VALUES
o Para swimming o Water Therapy/Aquatic Therapy
 Classification: Sports Classes wherein - Program exercises that are given to people
they classify the athletes regarding the with medical conditions, like arthritis, and
impact of their impairment to their sports cerebral palsy.

ABENOJA, CANOY, DONALVO, LUBATON, SALVADO BSN 2D

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3. RECREATIONAL VALUES
o To enjoy and have fun ROMAN BATHS
o Examples: Water polo, synchronized swimming,
water gymnastics, canoeing, kayaking, scuba Greeks could swim
diving, cliff diving, wakeboarding, etc. according to Herodotus
4. PHYSIOLOGICAL VALUES (8.89), who attributes the
o Cardiovascular system can benefit from swimming large number of survivors
since swimming is a form of aerobic exercise because from the Battle of Salamis
it requires us to breath a lot (Persians) in 480 BC to this
 More conscious of breathing underwater fact.
o Good for developing endurance and strength of
muscles and body since all body parts are engaged in Fig 5. Roman Baths
swimming The Greeks did not include
5. SAFETY VALUES swimming in the Olympics,
o For survival and to help in rescuing lives but practiced the sport and
training for their military.
HISTORY OF SWIMMING
Herodotus - a Greek author
CAVE OF SWIMMERS
who republished a book with
the history of Greece.
Prehistorically, swimming Fig 6. Diving
was essential in order to
cross rivers and lakes – THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH, THE ILIAD, THE ODYSSEY,
as indicated in ancient THE BIBLE
cave painting, “Cave of
Swimmers” from Egypt
which depicted
swimmers
Fig 3. Cave of Swimmers

According to Archaeological and other evidence, it is safe to

say that swimming must have been practiced as early as 2500
BCE in Egypt, Greek, and Roman Civilizations.

Cave of Hands

 Also in Egypt Fig 7. Gilgamesh, Iliad,

 Cave with lots of handprints Odyssey
 Figures inside that looked like they are doing the
breaststroke or the doggy paddle. However, some Fig 8. Iliad and Odyssey
archeologists argued saying the positions might be
Written references date back to ancient times, with the earliest
related to their rituals.
as early as 2000 BC. Such references occur in works like
BABYLONIAN AND ASSYRIAN Gilgamesh, the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Bible (Ezekiel 47:5,
Acts 27:42, Isaiah 25:11), and other sagas, although the
More references to
swimming style is never described.
swimming are found in the
Babylonian and Assyrian Acts 27:42 (KJV)
wall drawings, depicting a
And the soldiers’ counsel was to
variant of the breaststroke.
kill the prisoners, lest any of them
should swim out, and escape

Fig 4. Babylonian and Assyrian wall drawing

Fig 9. The Bible

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ORGANIZED SWIMMING 1800’s TO 1900’s JAPAN: SUIJUTSU (COMBATIVE SWIMMING)

In Japan,
swimming was
one of the noble
skills of the
Samurai, and
historic records
describe
swimming
competitions in 36
Fig 11. Suijutsu B.C.

In 1603, the first national swimming organization was

established in Japan.
Fig 10. Organized Swimming 17TH TO 19TH CENTURY

 Competitive swimming in Europe started around 1800,

mostly using breaststroke.
 Breaststroke, alongside sidestroke, is the oldest
stroke among the four major swimming strokes
 In 1873, John Arthur Trudgen introduced the “trudgen
stroke” to Western swimming competitions
 Trudgen is a British swimmer
 Copied this stroke from a Native American boy
 Instead of flutter kicks, Trudgen changed it into
scissor kicks
Fig 13. Mt. Olympus
 British didn’t like the front crawl because of the
splashing
 1902, Richard Cavill introduced front crawl to the western
Fig 12. Olympia
world
 Front crawl is also known as “Australian Crawl”
 Butterfly was developed in the 1930s and was at first a 17th to 18th century, books about swimming were published
variant of breaststroke until it was accepted a separate
1896, first modern Olympics in Athens, Greece
style in 1952.
 For local citizens of Greek, for men, and the Greek
army.
Trudgen Stroke vs Front Crawl  Olympics that the Greeks had was a religious festival.
They have sports like discuss throw, javelin throw, etc.
Trudgen Stroke Front Crawl
 Olympics in Greece was to honor their father, Zeus.
 Olympia - sanctuary in Greece that came from the
Scissor kicks Flutter kicks
name Mt. Olympus
Fédération Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA) –
 Freestyle is not another term for front crawl. Freestyle is
International Olympic Committee for administering
a category/event in a competition.
international competitions in water sports, was formed in 1908
 Called as freestyle because the swimmers,
competitors, or athletes are allowed to choose
any from the four strokes

ABENOJA, CANOY, DONALVO, LUBATON, SALVADO BSN 2D

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 HISTORY OF SWIMMING: PHILIPPINES Four-time gold medalist in the
200m breaststroke at both the
The American military men introduced competitive swimming Far Eastern Games and the
to the Philippines through their collaboration with the Philippines vs. Formosa Dual
organization called YMCA (Young Women’s Christian Meet.
Association).
Rose to the rank of lieutenant in
Even before the 57th Infantry Regiment of
the American the Philippine Scout during
colonization, WWII.
Filipinos have Fig 17. Teófilo Yldefonso
always known
how to swim In 1928, he joined the Olympics and won bronze in a 200m
as means of breaststroke. After four years, he won another bronze medal
survival. again
Fig 14. YMCA Fort WM McKinley
Yldefonso joined swimming competitions with the military
In 1907, the construction of the first swimming pool in the when he enlisted in the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine
country at Fort McKinley YMCA, in Manila Scouts. It was then that they discovered his talent for
swimming which allowed him to represent the Philippines in
In 1911, Filipinos the Olympics.
watched avidly from
the sidelines as the HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWIMMING
first swimming
championship meet  Keeps your heart rate up (Builds cardiorespiratory fitness)
 Builds endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular
Filipinos were not fitness
able to join the first  Tones muscles and builds strength (Burns calories)
swimming meet,  Provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all of your
only the Americans muscles are used during swimming
participated.  Relaxing and peaceful form of exercise
Fig 15. First Swimming Pool  Alleviating stress
Two to three years later, Filipinos, especially the scouts that  Improving coordination, balance, posture and flexibility
were under the rule of the American military, were able to join  Providing good low-impact therapy for some injuries and
their swimming competitions. conditions
 Providing a pleasant way to cool down on a hot day
Swimming competitions were suspended during the Japanese available in many places - You can swim in swimming
occupation. It was only in 1948 when swimming competitions pools, beaches, lakes and rivers. Make sure that the
were resumed. environment you choose to swim in is safe.
TEÓFILO “THE ILOCANO SHARK” YLDEFONSO  Family bonding
 Lifelong
Named “The Father of the SWIMMING EQUIPMENT
Modern Breaststroke” by
transforming the way the strong SWIMSUIT
was swum
Men can either choose aqua
The first Philippine athlete to shorts, swimming shorts, cycling
win an Olympic medal across all shorts, briefs, etc.
sports
Ladies can either choose bikinis,
The only Philippine athlete to tank tops, etc.
date to win back-to-back
Olympic medals in any sport

Fig 16. Teófilo Yldefonso Fig 18. Swimsuit

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SWIMMING CAP MIRRORED GOGGLES POLARIZED GOGGLES

Swim caps, were originally created  Ideal for outdoor swimming, in places under very sunny
to help competitive swimmers conditions because it helps reduce the glare of the sun
streamline through the water.
Making them swim faster and
reduce drag from their hair
because drag slows a swimmer
down in the water.
Fig 22. Mirrored Goggles Fig 23. Polarized Goggles
It also gives the goggles a smooth
surface to stick to.
Fig 19. Swimming Cap
PHOTOCHROMATIC GOGGLES

GOGGLES The light will automatically

adjust to the changing light
Very important equipment to
conditions. It will darken in
protect our eyes from any water
bright light and it will brighten in
debris or any harmful chemicals
low light.
There different types of
googles. There are goggles that Fig 24. Photochromatic
are used for racing or Goggles
competitions for it not to
create drag as you swim, TRAINING AND FLOTATION DEVICES
fitness/leisure, masks which
are the ones used for Flotation devices help keep you afloat so that you can slow
snorkeling, and prescription Fig 20. Goggles down and work on your swim stroke without sinking or
goggles. causing too much fatigue, and they help with confidence for
individuals who don't know how to swim.
FACTORS IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT GOGGLES
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAINING AND FLOTATION
1. FIT – goggles should be fit around the eyes, taking into DEVICES
consideration the suction to protect the eyes from water
KICKBOARD
2. COMFORT – goggles shouldn’t give distraction or
discomfort as you swim Kickboards are used for swimming
3. LENSES and training. This can be used to
4. Also consider if the nosepiece and straps are adjustable keep your arm at rest and you can
focus in training your kicks
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LENSES

CLEAR LENSED GOGGLE TINTED LENSED GOGGLES

Fig 25. Kickboard
 Both the clear lensed and tinted goggles are ideal for
indoor swimming, or swimming somewhere that isn’t SWIM FINS
sunny
Swim fins are useful if you want to
practice the techniques or
details of your kicks especially the
flexibility of your angles.

This is also helpful to swim or

Fig 21. Tinted move through water fast.
Fig 20. Clear Lensed Fig 26. Swim Fins
Lensed Goggles
Goggles Helps improve body posture because as you kick when you
swim, swim fins help in keeping the hips and legs high in the
water.

ABENOJA, CANOY, DONALVO, LUBATON, SALVADO BSN 2D

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Consider the length and flexibility WHEN choosing the right SWIMMING FACILITY
swimming fins
OLYMPIC POOL’S DIMENSION
o Length - depends on the activity
 Longer fins – used in deep water; for effortless  Olympic pool is 2 meters (8ft) deep
kicks (ex. scubadiving)
 Shorter fins – used in shallow water; also used
in training, especially for ankle flexibility (ex.
snorkeling)
o Flexibility – there soft and stiff swimming fins
- Better to use the ones that aren’t super soft or super
stiff
- Stiff fins in the long run can cause fatigue or pain in
the ankles
- Soft fins can reduce the purpose of swimming fins to
train you

PULL-BUOYS

Pull-buoys are put in between the thighs to keep the body

afloat especially for swimmers who easily sink as they have a
denser body
Fig 31 Olympic Pool’s Dimension
Pull-buoys are also used to focus in training arm strokes.

COMPETITIVE SWIMMING

FOUR MAJOR STYLES ESTABLISHED IN COMPETITIVE

SWIMMING

 Butterfly  Breaststroke
 Backstroke  Freestyle

Fig 27 & 28. Pull-Buoys SWIMMERS ARE BROADLY CLASSIFIED AS:

NOODLE
 Sprinter
Noodle is a flotation device that  Swimmers who are trained for intense swimming
is not used for training. This in shorter distances
can be used as a toy, for water  Ex. 25m, 15, 200m races
games, aquatic aerobics, or  Middle Swimmer
any water sports that don’t  Do not drop the speed as fast as sprinters or on
require intense training. a long swimming course
Fig 29. Noodle  Usually 200m or 400 m races
HAND PADDLES  Distance Swimmer
 Trained to swim faster and larger distances;
Hand paddles are commonly used marathons
for swimmers who want to  Ex. 800m, 1500m, 10-15 km races
develop their arm strokes and the
power that they exert as they SWIMMING TOURNAMENTS
perform swimming strokes.
Fig 30. Hand Paddles
INDIVIDUAL RACES
Can train the arms, back, chest, and core in performing these
arm strokes.  For single players/swimmer; can choose the stroke used
 Freestyle: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,500m
Swimmers will know the right technique as they pull
 Backstroke: 100 and 200m
themselves forward as they swim because arm strokes are
 Breaststroke: 100 and 200m
also very important to allow swimmers to move through the
 Butterfly: 100 and 200m
water.

ABENOJA, CANOY, DONALVO, LUBATON, SALVADO BSN 2D

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 Individual medley: 200 and 400m
 Performs all of the strokes at every quarter of the
length
 Butterfly backstroke breaststroke freestyle

RELAY EVENTS

 Relays: 4x100 free; 4x200 free; 4x100 medley (men’s,

women’s, and mixed)
 Since there are four swimmers, each swimmer
has an assigned stroke to perform

OPEN POOL SWIMMING EVENTS

 Marathon: 10 kilometers

BASIC SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR SWIMMING

 Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

Never swim in unknown water.
 Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim
alone.
 Know your limits.
 Never leave a young child unattended near water and do
not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to
always ask permission to go near water.
 Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear
approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life
jackets alone
 Maintain constant supervision
 Make sure everyone in your family learn to swim well.

REFERENCES

I. Notes from PPT Presentation

II. Notes from Ma’am Balaga’s discussion

ABENOJA, CANOY, DONALVO, LUBATON, SALVADO BSN 2D