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The Sport of swimming is a sport for retarded opeople, I like killling Ian Thrope clones.
{{redirect|Swimmer|the military term|frogman}}
I trash this article because I am awesome. No. I am from school. OLD SCHOOL!
{{redirect|Swim}}
{{redirect|Swimming|the [[French Kicks]] album|Swimming (French Kicks album)}}
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I type alittle slower because I am on a different keyboard, usually I can type without looking on my laptop.
[[Image:Front Crawl 4704.JPG|thumb|right|400px|A competitive swimmer performing the [[front crawl]] (also known as freestyle).]]
Please Jimmy, I love your organisational, but I like unexcylo[pedia better for fun.
'''Swimming''' is the movement by humans or animals through [[water]], usually without artificial assistance. Swimming is an activity that can be both useful and recreational. Its primary uses are [[bathing]], [[cooling]], [[travel]], [[fishing]], [[escape]], and [[watersports|sport]].
Please, I trash your articles.

AND WHOOOOP~~
{{Unreferencedsection|date=December 2008}}
Animals with [[lungs]] have an easier time floating than those without.{{Fact|date=December 2008}} Almost all [[mammals]] can swim by instinct, including [[bat]]s, [[kangaroo]]s, [[mole (animal)|mole]]s and [[sloth]]s. The few exceptions include apes and possibly [[giraffe]]s and porcupines.{{Fact|date=December 2008}} Land [[bird]]s can swim or float for at least some time. [[Ostrich]]es, [[cassowary|cassowaries]] and [[tortoise]]s can swim. Juvenile penguins drown if they accidentally fall in water since their down cover is not suited to water.

==History==
{{See also|History of swimming|Aquatic ape hypothesis}}
Swimming has been known since prehistoric times; the earliest record of swimming dates back to [[Stone Age]] paintings from around 7,000 years ago. Written references date from [[2nd millennium BC|2000 BC]]. Some of the earliest references include the [[Epic of Gilgamesh|Gilgamesh]], the [[Iliad]], the [[Odyssey]], the [[Bible]] (Ezekiel 47:5, Acts 27:42, Isaiah 25:11), [[Beowulf]], and other sagas. In 1538, Nikolaus Wynmann, a [[German language|German]] professor of languages, wrote the first swimming book, ''The Swimmer or A Dialogue on the Art of Swimming'' (''Der Schwimmer oder ein Zwiegespräch über die Schwimmkunst''). Competitive swimming in [[Europe]] started around 1800, mostly using [[breaststroke]]. In 1873 John Arthur Trudgen introduced the [[trudgen]] to Western swimming competitions, after copying the [[front crawl]] used by [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]]. Due to a British disregard for splashing, Trudgen employed a [[scissor kick]] instead of the [[front crawl]]'s [[flutter kick]]. Swimming was part of the first modern [[1896 Summer Olympics|Olympic games]] in 1896 in [[Athens]]. In 1902 Richard Cavill introduced the [[front crawl]] to the Western world. In 1908, the world swimming association, [[International Swimming Federation|Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)]], was formed. [[Butterfly stroke|Butterfly]] was developed in the 1930s and was at first a variant of [[breaststroke]], until it was accepted as a separate style in 1952.

==Non-aquatic animals==
Humans do not swim instinctively, but nonetheless feel attracted to water, showing a broader range of swimming movements than other non-aquatic animals (Bender 1999: 119-169). In contrast, many [[monkeys]] can naturally swim and some, like the [[proboscis monkey]], [[crab-eating macaque]], and [[Rhesus macaque]] swim regularly.

[[Image:Swimming dog bgiu.jpg|thumb|right|A dog swimming]]

Some breeds of [[dog]] swim recreationally. Umbra, a world record-holding dog, can swim 4 miles (6.4&nbsp;[[kilometre|km]]) in 73 minutes, placing her in the top 25% in human long-distance swimming competitions<ref>[http://www.sdogv.com/swim.html SWIMMING DOG VIDEOS Swimming Background<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Although most [[cat]]s hate water, adult cats are good swimmers. The [[fishing cat]] is one wild species of cat that has evolved special adaptations for an aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyle – webbed digits. Tigers and some individual jaguars are the only big cats known to go into water readily, though other big cats, including lions, have been observed swimming. A few domestic cat breeds also like swimming, such as the [[Turkish Van]]. In an unpublished research carried out 2002 at the University of Bern (Switzerland), Bender & Hirt showed that the Turkish Van has less inhibition to enter in shallow water compared to another breed, the Russian Blue. This behavior can be partially explained by the character of the Turkish Van, who seems to be more curious and enterprising than other cat breeds (see Widmer 1990).

[[Horses]], [[moose]], and [[elk]] are very powerful swimmers, and can travel long distances in the water. [[Elephants]] are also capable of swimming, even in deep waters. Eyewitnesses have confirmed that [[camel]]s, including [[Dromedary]] and [[Bactrian Camel|Bactrian]] camels, can swim<ref>[http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcamelswim.html The Straight Dope Mailbag: The Straight Dope Mailbag: Is the camel the only animal that can't swim?]</ref>, despite the fact that there is little deep water in their natural habitats.

Both domestic and wild [[rabbit]]s can swim. Domestic rabbits are sometimes trained to swim as a circus attraction. A wild rabbit famously swam in [[Jimmy Carter rabbit incident|an apparent attack]] on U.S. President [[Jimmy Carter]]'s boat when it was threatened in its natural habitat.<ref>[http://www.newsoftheodd.com/article1021.html News of the Odd - Jimmy Carter Attacked by Killer Rabbit (April 20, 1979)]</ref>

The [[Guinea pig]] (or cavy) is noted as having an excellent swimming ability.<ref>{{cite book|last= Harkness|first= John E.|last2= Wagner|first2= Joseph E.|title= The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents|publisher= Williams & Wilkins|date= 1995|pages= 30–39|isbn= 0-683-03919-9}}</ref> [[Mice]] can swim quite well. They do panic when placed in water, but many lab mice are used in the [[Morris water maze]], a test to measure learning. When mice swim, they use their tails like [[flagella]] and kick with their legs.

Many species of [[snakes]] are aquatic and live their entire lives in the water, but all terrestrial snakes are excellent swimmers as well.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Large adult [[anaconda]]s spend the majority of their time in the water, and have difficulty moving on land. Many [[beetles]] are able to swim; some species of [[diving beetle]] spend most of their time in the water.

==Competitive swimming==

The goal of competitive swimming is to be the fastest over a given distance. Competitive swimming became popular in the nineteenth century, and comprises 36 individual events – 18 male events and 18 female events, however the IOC only recognizes 34 events – 17 male and 17 female events. Swimming is an event at the [[Summer Olympic Games]], where male and female athletes compete in 13 of the recognized events each. Olympic events are held in a '''50''' [[meter]] pool. Competitive swimming's international governing body is [[FINA]] (Fédération Internationale de Natation), the ''International Swimming Federation''.

The four competitive strokes are the [[Butterfly stroke|butterfly]], [[backstroke]], [[breaststroke]], and [[front crawl]] (freestyle). "Freestyle" and "front crawl" are often used interchangeably, but "[[freestyle swimming|freestyle]]" properly refers to an unregulated competitive event rather than to any particular stroke. Swimmers generally choose to swim front crawl in a freestyle event since it is the fastest stroke. In events that require specific strokes, disqualification will occur if the stroke is not swum correctly, for example if the swimmer does not touch the wall with two hands during breaststroke or butterfly.

These strokes can be swum individually or together in an [[individual medley]] (IM). The IM order is: 1) butterfly, 2) backstroke, 3) breaststroke, and 4) freestyle. There are two types of relays: medley and freestyle. The medley relay has a different stroke order. In the medley, the order is: 1) backstroke, 2) breaststroke, 3) butterfly, and 4) freestyle. Each of the four swimmers in the relay swims a predetermined distance, dependent on the overall length of the relay. The three relay lengths are 200 [[meter]]s or [[yard]]s, 400 meters or yards, and 800 meters or yards (which is only swum freestyle). In a 50 meter pool, each swimmer swims one length for the 200 relay, two lengths for the 400 relay, and four lengths for the 800 relay. In a 25 meter or yard pool, each swimmer swims two lengths for the 200 relay, four lengths for the 400 relay, and eight lengths for the 800 relay. There have also been 100 yard relays that have been done by eight and under swimmers, but is very rare except in summer recreation leagues. Many full-size competition pools in the United States have a length of 50 meters and a width of 25 yards (the Olympic pool size, allowing both short course (25&nbsp;m or 25&nbsp;[[yard|yd]] pool) and long course (50&nbsp;m pool) races to be held.

There are several types of officials<ref>[http://www.fina.org/project/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=119 FINA Technical Rule SW1.2</ref>:
* A starter sends the swimmers off the blocks and may call a false start if a swimmer leaves the block before the starter sends them;
* finish judges determine the order of finish and make sure the swimmers finish in accordance with the rules (two hands simultaneously for breaststroke and butterfly, on the back for backstroke, etc.)
* turn judges check that the swimmers' turns are within rules;
* stroke judges check the swimmers' strokes;
* timekeepers time the swims;
* the referee takes overall responsibility for running the race and makes the final decisions

If an [[official]] catches a swimmer breaking a rule concerning the stroke he or she is swimming, that swimmer is said to be disqualified (commonly referred to as a "DQ") and the swim is not considered valid.

Masters swimming is a club sport for adults who have a competitive spirit. Swimming at this level differs from competitive club swimming. In swim meets masters are allowed to compete in the 50, 100 and 200 of backstroke, fly and breaststroke and the 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1650 of freestyle. The age groups are organized into five-year increments (Masters, 1). “Swimming has continually been identified as the best way to exercise. Stress reduction, weight control, cardiovascular fitness, reduced cholesterol, muscle tone and endurance are all positively influenced by exercise. Masters Swimmers swear by it (Masters, 1).” Shoulder injuries are the most common because of the repetitive motion of freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke. Knee injuries often occur from breaststroke due to the unnatural kick. Incorrect stroke technique can also lead to injuries.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}

===Changes to the sport===

Swimming times have dropped over the years due to better training techniques and to new developments.

The first four Olympics competitions were not held in pools, but in open water (1896- The Mediterranean, 1900- The Seine River, 1904- an artificial lake, 1906- The Mediterranean). The [[1904 Olympics]]' freestyle race was the only one ever measured at 100 yards, instead of the usual 100 meters. A 100 meter pool was built for the [[1908 Olympics]] and sat in the center of the main stadium's track and field oval. The [[1912 Olympics]], held in the Stockholm harbour, marked the beginning of electronic timing.

Male swimmers wore full body suits until the 1940s, which caused more drag in the water than their modern swimwear counterparts did. Competition suits now include engineered fabric and designs to reduce swimmers' drag in the water and prevent athlete fatigue. In addition, over the years, pool designs have lessened the drag. Some design considerations allow for the reduction of swimming [[Drag (physics)|resistance]], making the pool faster. Namely, proper pool depth, elimination of currents, increased lane width, energy absorbing racing lane lines and gutters, and the use of other innovative hydraulic, acoustic and illumination designs.

The [[1924 Summer Olympics]] were the first to use the standard 50 meter pool with marked lanes. In the freestyle, swimmers originally dived from the pool walls, but diving blocks were incorporated at the [[1936 Summer Olympics]]. The [[tumble turn|flip turn]] was developed by the 1950s and [[goggles]] first were used in the [[1976 Olympics]].

There were also changes in the late 20th century in terms of technique. Breaststrokers are now allowed to dip their head completely under water, which allowed for a longer stroke and faster time. In addition, a split stroke in the breaststroke start and turns has been added to help speed up the stroke. Backstrokers are now allowed to turn on their stomachs before the wall in order to perform a "flip-turn". Previously, they had to reach and flip backwards.

==Recreational swimming ==
The most common purpose for swimming is recreation. Recreational swimming is a good way to relax, while enjoying a full-body workout. Several [[List of swimming styles|swimming styles]] are suitable for recreational swimming; most recreational swimmers prefer a style that keeps their head out of the water and has an underwater arm recovery. [[Breaststroke]], [[side stroke]], head up [[front crawl]] and [[dog paddle]] are the most common strokes utilized in recreational swimming, but the out-of-water arm recovery of freestyle or butterfly gives rise to better exploitation of the difference in resistance between air and water.

[[Image:swimming.breaststroke.arp.750pix.jpg|thumb|right|A recreational [[breaststroke]] swimmer]]

The [[butterfly stroke]], which consists of out-of-water recovery with even symmetry in body movements, is most suited to rough water swimming. For example, in a record-setting example of endurance swimming, [[Vicki Keith]] crossed the rough waters of Lake Ontario using butterfly. Most recreational swimming takes place in [[swimming pools]], and calm natural waters (sea, lakes, rivers), therefore front crawl is suitable.

==Occupational swimming==
Some occupations require the workers to swim. For example, [[abalone]] divers or [[pearl]] divers swim and dive to obtain an economic benefit, as do [[Spearfishing|spear fishermen]].

Swimming is used to rescue other swimmers in distress. In the USA, most cities and states have trained lifeguards, such as the [http://lacitylifeguards.pyroinnovations.com Los Angeles City Lifeguards], deployed at pools and beaches. There are a number of specialized swimming styles especially for rescue purposes (''see [[List of swimming styles]]''). Such techniques are studied by [[lifeguard]]s or members of the [[Coast Guard]]. The training for these techniques has also evolved into competitions such as [[surf lifesaving]].

Swimming is also used in [[marine biology]] to observe plants and animals in their natural habitat. Other sciences use swimming, for example [[Konrad Lorenz]] swam with [[Goose|geese]] as part of his studies of [[Ethology|animal behavior]].

Swimming also has [[Armed force|military]] purposes. Military swimming is usually done by [[special forces]], such as [[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 exiting a [[submarine]] while it is submerged. Due to regular exposure to large bodies of water, all recruits in the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], and [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] are required to complete basic swimming or water survival training.

Swimming is also a professional sport. Companies such as [[Speedo]], [[Tyr Sports, Inc.|TYR Sports]], [[Arena (swimwear)|Arena]] and [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] sponsor swimmers who are at the international level. Cash awards are also given at many of the major competitions for breaking records.{{Fact|date=August 2007}}

==Swimming as exercise==<!-- This section is linked from [[Cycling]] -->
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise. Because the density of the human body is very similar to that of water, the water supports the body and less stress is therefore placed on joints and bones. Swimming is frequently used as an exercise in rehabilitation after injuries or for those with disabilities.

Resistance swimming is one form of swimming exercise. It is done either for training purposes, to hold the swimmer in place for stroke analysis, or to enable swimming in a confined space for athletic or therapeutic reasons. Resistance swimming can be done either against a stream of moving water (often termed a ''swimming machine'') or by holding the swimmer stationary with elastic attachments.

Swimming is primarily an aerobic exercise due to the long exercise time, requiring a constant oxygen supply to the muscles, except for short sprints where the muscles work anaerobically. As with most aerobic exercise swimming is believed to reduce the harmful effects of stress. Swimming can improve posture and develop a strong lean physique, often called a "swimmer's build."

==The risks of swimming==
[[Image:Hanakapiai Beach Warning Sign Only.jpg|thumb|right|A sign warns hikers on the trail to [[Hanakapiai]] Beach.]]
Swimming is a healthy activity that has minimal impact on the joints. A swimmer benefits from a low risk of injury compared with many other sports. Nevertheless, there are some health risks with swimming, including the following:

* Drowning, inhalation of water arising from
** Adverse water conditions swamping or overwhelming the swimmer or causing water inhalation.
** Actions of others pushing under water accidentally in play or intentionally.
** Exhaustion or unconsciousness.
** Incapacitation through [[shallow water blackout]], [[myocardial infarction|heart attacks]], [[carotid sinus#Disease of the carotid sinus|carotid sinus syncope]] or [[stroke]].

* Adverse effects of immersion
** Secondary drowning, where inhaled salt water creates foam in the lungs that restricts breathing.
** [[Salt water aspiration syndrome]].
** Thermal shock after jumping into water can cause the heart to stop.
** [[Exostosis]] which is an abnormal growth in the [[ear|ear canal]] due to the frequent, long-term splashing of water into the ear canal. (Known as [[Swimmer's Ear|Swimmer's ear]].)

* Exposure to chemicals
** [[Disinfectant]] [[Chlorine]] will increase the [[pH]] of the water, if uncorrected the raised pH may cause eye or skin irritations. [http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/ph_chlorine.htm]
** Chlorine inhalation; breathing small quantities of [[chlorine]] gas from the water surface whilst swimming for long periods of time may have an adverse effect on the lungs, particularly for [[asthma]]tics. This problem may be resolved by using a pool with better ventilation, with an outdoor pool having the best results.
** [[Chlorine]] also has a negative cosmetic effect after repeated long exposure, stripping brown hair of all color, turning it very light blonde. Chlorine damages the structure of hair, turning it "frizzy." Chlorine can dissolve copper, which turns blonde hair green. Proper pool maintenance can reduce the amount of copper in the water, while wetting the hair before entering a pool can help reduce the absorption of copper.
** Chlorine will often remain on skin in an [[anhydrous]] form, even after several washings. The chlorine becomes odorous once it is back in an aqueous solution (when salivated on, during a shower, etc.).

* Infection
** Water is an excellent environment for many [[bacterium|bacteria]], [[parasite]]s, [[fungi]] and [[virus]]es affecting humans depending on [[water quality]].
** Skin infections from both swimming and shower rooms can cause [[athlete's foot]] (boat bug). The easiest way to avoid this is to dry the space between the [[foot|toes]]. [http://www.dermnetnz.org/fungal/athletes-foot.html]
** Microscopic parasites such as [[Cryptosporidium]] can be resistant to chlorine and can cause diarrheal illness when swimmers swallow pool water.
** Ear infections, [[otitis media]], ([[otitis externa]]).
** When chlorine levels are improperly balanced, severe health problems may result, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma.
* Swimmer's own actions
** Overuse injury; competitive [[butterfly stroke]] swimmers for example may develop some [[back pain]], including vertebral fractures in rare cases, and shoulder pain after long years of training, [[breaststroke]] swimmers may develop knee pain, and hip pain. Freestyle and backstroke swimmers may develop [[impingement syndrome]], a form of [[tendinitis]]{{Fact|date=October 2008}}, commonly referred to as swimmer's shoulder.
** [[Hyperventilation]] in a bid to extend underwater breath-hold times lowers blood carbon dioxide resulting in suppression of the urge to breathe and consequent loss of consciousness towards the end of the dive, see [[shallow water blackout]] for the mechanism.

* Adverse water and weather conditions
** [[Current (water)|Currents]], including [[tide]]s and [[river]]s can cause exhaustion, can pull swimmers away from safety, or pull swimmers under water.
** [[Wind]] enhances [[ocean surface wave|waves]] and can blow a swimmer off course.
** [[Hypothermia]], due to cold water, can cause rapid exhaustion and unconsciousness.
** [[Sunburn]] severity can be increased by reflections in the water and the lack of clothing worn during swimming. Long-term exposure to the sun contributes to risk of skin [[cancer]].

* Objects in the water
** Propeller damage is a major cause of accidents, either by being run over by a boat or entanglement on climbing into a boat.
** Collision with another swimmer, the pool walls, rocks or boats.
** Diving into a submerged object, or the bottom, often in turbid water.
** Snagging on underwater objects, particularly submerged branches or wrecks.
** Stepping on sharp objects such as broken glass.

* Aquatic life
** Stings from [[jellyfish]] and some [[coral]]s.
** Piercings caused by [[sea urchin]]s, [[zebra mussels]], [[stingrays]].
** Bites from [[shark]]s and other [[fish]] and [[snake]]s, and pinches from [[lobster]]s or [[crab]]s.
** Electrocution from electric rays and [[electric eels]].

Organizations publish safety guidelines to help swimmers avoid these risks.<ref>[http://www.river-swimming.co.uk/safety.htm River and Lake Swimming Association's Safety Pages]</ref><ref>[http://www.iii.org/individuals/homei/tips/pool/ Insurance Information Institute's Pool Safety Pages]</ref><ref>[http://www.jerseyseaswims.org/html/safe_sea_swimming.html Safe Sea Swimming]</ref>

==Swimming lessons==
[[Image:Girl with styrofoam swimming board.jpg|thumb|A Styrofoam flotation aid can help children learn to swim.]]
Children are often given swimming lessons, which serve to develop swimming technique and confidence. Children generally do not swim independently until 4 years of age.<ref name=""Canada">{{cite" journal
| author=Injury Prevention Committee
| title=Swimming lessons for infants and toddlers
| journal=Paediatrics & Child Health
| year=2003
| volume=8
| issue=2
| pages=113&ndash;114
| url=http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/IP/IP03-01.htm
}}</ref>

In [[Sweden]], [[Denmark]], [[Norway]] and [[Finland]], the [[curriculum]] for the fifth grade states that all children should learn how to swim as well as how to handle emergencies near water. Most commonly, children are expected to be able to swim 200 [[metres]] (220 [[yards]]) – of which at least 50 [[metres]] (55 [[yards]]) on their back – after first falling into deep water and getting their head under water. Even though about 95 percent of Swedish school children know how to swim, drowning remains the third most common cause of death among children.<ref name=""simtillsyn">{{cite" web | url=http://www.skolverket.se/content/1/c4/05/26/Rapport_simtillsyn.pdf | title=Tillsyn av simkunnighet och förmåga att hantera nödsituationer vid vatten | first=Ulrika | last=Lindmark | accessdate=2006-06-28 | format=PDF | language=Swedish}}</ref>

In both the [[Netherlands]] and [[Belgium]] swimming lessons under school time (''schoolzwemmen'', school swimming) are supported by the government. Most schools provide swimming lessons. There is a long tradition of swimming lessons in the Netherlands and Belgium, the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] translation for the [[breaststroke]] swimming style is even ''schoolslag'' (schoolstroke). The children learn a variant of the breaststroke, which is technically not entirely correct.

In many places, swimming lessons are provided by local swimming pools, both those run by the local authority and by private leisure companies. Many schools also include swimming lessons into their Physical Education [[curricula]], provided either in the schools' own pool, or in the nearest public pool.

In the [[UK]], the "Top-ups scheme" calls for school children who cannot swim by the age of 11 to receive intensive daily lessons. These children who have not reached Great Britain's National Curriculum standard of swimming 25 metres by the time they leave primary school will be given a half-hour lesson every day for two weeks during term-time.<ref name=""topupsUS95scheme">{{cite" news | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/06/14/nswim14.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/06/14/ixuknews.html | title=Children unable to swim at 11 will be given top-up lessons | publisher=Telegraph Group Limited | date=2006-06-14 | accessdate=2006-07-12}}</ref>

In [[Canada]] and [[Mexico]] there has been a call for swimming to be included in the [[public school]] curriculum.<ref name=""schoolUS95call">{{cite" news | url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20050718/swim_in_school_050718?s_name="&noUS95ads=" | title=Federal minister calls for school swim lessons | publisher=CTV | date=2005-07-18 | accessdate=2006-06-28}}</ref>

==Swimsuits==
{{main|swimsuit}}
Standard everyday clothing is impractical and unsafe for swimming. In historical cultures, it has been common to swim nude, but in those with [[taboo]]s against [[nudity]], specialized swimwear has been the norm. Most cultures today expect swimsuits to be worn for public swimming.

Modern men's swimsuits are usually [[briefs]] or [[shorts]], either skintight (jammers) or loose fitting (swim trunks), covering only the upper legs or not at all. Usually, the upper body is left uncovered. In some cultures, custom and/or laws have required tops for public swimming.

Modern women's swimsuits are generally skintight, either two pieces covering only the breasts and pelvic region, or a single piece covering them both plus the torso between them. Skirts are uncommon and short when included, but have been required and sometimes as much as full length in some cultures.

[[Competitive swimwear]] seeks to improve upon bare human skin for a speed advantage. For extra speed a swimmer wears a body suit, which has rubber or plastic bumps that break up the water close to the body and provides a small amount of thrust--just barely enough to help a swimmer swim faster. For swimming in cold water, [[wetsuit]]s provide thermal insulation.

[[Swim cap]]s keep the body streamlined.

[[Image:2003 Greece 10 Euro OS Swimming front.jpg|thumb|[[Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Greece)#2003 coinage|Swimming commemorative coin]]]]

== See also ==

* Swimming events have been selected as a main motif in numerous collectors' coins. One of the recent samples is the €10 Greek [[Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Greece)#2003 coinage|Swimming commemorative coin]], minted in 2003 to commemorate the [[2004 Summer Olympics]]. On the obverse of this coin a woman swimmer is depicted, preparing to dive from the starting platform, while in the background another woman athlete is just about to dive into the water in a scene from an [[Archaic Greece|Archaic]] bronze statuette.

* [[Buoyancy]]
* [[Diving]]
* [[FINA]]
* [[FINA World Aquatics Championships]]
* [[Fish locomotion]]
* [[Ice swimming]]
* [[Lifeguard]]
* [[List of swimming styles]]
* [[List of swimmers]]
* [[List of water sports]]
* [[List of world records in swimming]]
* [[Resistance swimming]]
* [[Skinny dipping]]
* [[Swimming at the Summer Olympics]]
* [[Swimming machine]]
* [[Swimming pool]]
* [[Surfing]]
* [[Total Immersion]]
* [http://www.yswim.org YMCA Competitive Swimming]
* [[United States Masters Swimming]]

==References==
{{Portal}}
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* Bender N. & Hirt N., ''Did Turkish Van cats lose their fear of water?'' Forschungspraktikum Evolutionsökologie, University of Bern, Bern 2002.
* Bender R., ''Die evolutionsbiologische Grundlage des menschlichen Schwimmens, Tauchens und Watens: Konvergenzforschung in den Terrestrisierungshypothesen und in der Aquatic Ape Theory''. Diploma thesis, Institute of Sport and Sport Sciences, University of Bern, Bern 1999.
*{{cite book
| last = Cox
| first = Lynne
| year = 2005 by Harvest Books
| title = Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer
| publisher = 2005 by Harvest Books
| isbn = 0-15-603130-2
}}
* Maniscalco F., Il nuoto nel mondo greco romano, Naples 1993.
* Mehl H., Antike Schwimmkunst, Munchen 1927.
* Schuster G., Smits W. & Ullal J., ''Thinkers of the Jungle''. Tandem Verlag 2008.
*{{cite book
| last = Sprawson
| first = Charles
| year = 2000
| title = Haunts of the Black Masseur - The Swimmer as Hero
| publisher = University of Minnesota Press
| isbn = 0-8166-3539-0
}}svin
*{{cite book
| last = Tarpinian
| first = Steve
| year = 1996
| title = The Essential Swimmer
| publisher = The Lyons Press
| isbn = 1-55821-386-4
}}
* Widmer F., ''Ein erster Vergleich des Verhaltens am Wasser zwischen Hauskatzen und Türkischen Van-Katzen''. Diploma thesis, University of Zurich, Zurich 1990.

==External links==
{{commonscat|Swimming}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* [http://drowning-prevention.org/ Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Information] from Seattle Children's Hospital and the Washington State Drowning Prevention Network.
* [http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1999/04_99/kammer.htm Swimming Injuries and Illnesses]
* [[BBC]] guide for learning to swim: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/swimming/4227472.stm the Front Crawl], [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/swimming/4225756.stm the Breaststroke], [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/swimming/4223850.stm the Backstroke], [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/swimming/4229586.stm the Butterfly]
* [http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/sdebest/nostalgicswimming/EN/IndexEN.html Overview of 150 historical and less known swimming-strokes]
*[http://www.swimsallyswim.blogspot.com Blog all about swimming]
*[http://www.tesoroaquatics.com/swimming/swim_06.htm]
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{{International swimming}}
{{fb end}}

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[[Category:Swimming|*]]
[[Category:Water sports]]
[[Category:Olympic sports]]
[[Category:Survival skills]]
[[Category:Locomotion]]
[[Category:Scoutcraft]]
[[Category:Anthropology]]

[[ar:سباحة]]
[[arz:عوم]]
[[bg:Плуване]]
[[ca:Natació]]
[[cs:Plavání]]
[[cy:Nofio]]
[[da:Svømning]]
[[de:Schwimmsport]]
[[et:Ujumine]]
[[el:Κολύμβηση]]
[[es:Natación]]
[[eo:Naĝado]]
[[eu:Igeriketa]]
[[fa:شنا]]
[[fr:Natation]]
[[gl:Natación]]
[[ko:수영]]
[[hr:Plivanje]]
[[id:Berenang]]
[[is:Sund (hreyfing)]]
[[it:Nuoto]]
[[he:שחייה]]
[[ht:Natasyon]]
[[la:Natatio]]
[[lt:Plaukimas]]
[[hu:Úszás]]
[[mk:Пливање]]
[[ms:Renang]]
[[nl:Zwemmen]]
[[ja:水泳]]
[[no:Svømming]]
[[nn:Symjing]]
[[nds:Swemmsport]]
[[pl:Pływanie]]
[[pt:Natação]]
[[ro:Înot]]
[[qu:Wayt'ay]]
[[ru:Плавание]]
[[sq:Noti]]
[[scn:Natari]]
[[simple:Swim]]
[[sk:Plávanie]]
[[sl:Plavanje]]
[[sr:Пливање]]
[[sh:Plivanje]]
[[fi:Uinti]]
[[sv:Simning]]
[[te:ఈత (వ్యాయామం)]]
[[th:การว่ายน้ำ]]
[[tr:Yüzme]]
[[uk:Спортивне плавання]]
[[zh-yue:游水]]
[[zh:游泳]]

Revision as of 03:10, 9 February 2009

The Sport of swimming is a sport for retarded opeople, I like killling Ian Thrope clones. I trash this article because I am awesome. No. I am from school. OLD SCHOOL!

I type alittle slower because I am on a different keyboard, usually I can type without looking on my laptop. Please Jimmy, I love your organisational, but I like unexcylo[pedia better for fun. Please, I trash your articles. AND WHOOOOP~~

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