All of you are fond of swimming, I'm sure, and must be spending hours of your free time indulging in this wonderful pastime. But have you ever stopped and wondered how this exhilarating sport evolved? Come, let us go 'diving' into the depths of past and uncover what we can, about this excellent exercise.

History.

Swimming as a competitive sport, is the act of propelling the body through water with arm and leg motion, without artificial aid. It is one of the world's most popular recreations.

Man probably learnt to swim by watching animals in water. Ancient monuments and records uncovered by Archaeologists depict him moving along or beneath water. In the beginning, it was not the sport that you know it as; it was a lifesaver and part of warfare. The Old Testament mentions swimming. Greek and Roman warriors were taught swimming as part of their training.

Europe's Dark Ages took the joy out of this aquatic sport. It was discredited and anything pertaining to the body was held in contempt. Ordinary people began to shun outdoor bathing for fear of catching some terrible illness, as there was a general belief that diseases were spread because of water. The nineteenth century saw a revival of this sport. The opening of the first swimming baths at Liverpool on 1828 was soon copied elsewhere.

In the 1860's, swimming clubs were established; the Serpentine Club being the oldest. Soon, inter-club competitions followed. In 1869, the Metropolitan Swimming Association was formed. Later, it changed its name to the London Swimming Association.

In 1875, Capt. Webb of England became the first person to swim across the English Channel, He used the breast stroke, the most popular stroke of that era. Swimming received great impetus in the 1870's when the so-called Australian crawl was borrowed from the South Sea natives. When the Olympics were revived in 1896, swimming became an Olympic sport for men. Women first swam in the Olympics in 1912.

Costumes.

Competitors in all international events and in World Record performances wear the following:

Men: Swimming trunks. Except that water polo players wear trunks with an inner liner or an additional support. The width of the band extending from the front to the rear in the area of the hips and waist should not be less than 7.5 inches in width.

Women: Competitors of one piece devoid of open work except at the back.

Medical and Sanitary Rules for Pool Facilities.

In order to safeguard and protect the health and to direct the proper physical development of the swimmers, particularly the young, who swim for recreation, training and competing, the Medical Committee recommends certain regulations-
a) All swimming organizations must include in their staff, medical personnel, an appropriate number of physicians, nurses and laboratory assistants.
b) The staff should supervise the day to day hygiene of the pool and all related areas such as locker rooms, showers, dressing rooms and sanitary facilities.
c) It should be ensured that the water is properly circulated, filtered, chlorinated or brominated. The temperature must be properly regulated and controlled: minimum 24 degree centigrade raised to 28 degree centigrade for young children.
d) Establish a program of medical examination of swimmers, particularly those under training.
e) Schedule lectures for coaches, trainers, swimmers and parents.
f) No smoking is allowed in the territory of the indoor pools including the stand for spectators.

Swimming Styles

Relays.

Diving Rules.

The body should be straight, not bent, either at the knees or at the hips, the feet should be together and the toes pointed. The springboards should be at least 4.8m long and 0.5m wide and must be approved by the International Diving Committee before the contest begins.

Swimming is not only a source of relaxation and a wonderful exercise but also a fiercely competitive sport and swimming galas are held at several levels.