Gliding with or against the current in a fast or slow-running river, seeing the white sand in a clear stream or that which is covered by floating weeds. An experience different from what you get in a swimming pool, that fine line between the hot sun and the refreshing water on your skin. Splashing and diving in a rewarding blend of physical and mental rejuvenation.

What is swimming ?

Humans are terrestrial creatures adapted for life and activities on land, but when we get into a body of water that is large enough, we use some techniques to propel our body through the water in an efficient way without drowning, and that is when we are said to be swimming.
It is an amazing way to get moving in the water. You need the skill and a body of water that is large and deep enough to allow a wide range of motion like a swimming pool, a lake, river or ocean, just to say you cant swim in a bathtub.

What do you think about swimming is it a sport, an exercise or a healthy activity?

I will check all three boxes, swimming can actually be a sport, an exercise, and a healthy activity.

As a Sport:
Anytime when people engage in swimming as a competitive activity, it makes it a sport that requires a lot of technique, endurance, and strategies. Assuming you were an Olympic champion like Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps while observing rules and engaging in constant practice, you will constantly engage in numerous training regiments to improve your speed, agility, and overall performance.

As a form of exercise:
Swimming is an excellent way of exercising your body, providing a full-body workout. Which means all parts of your body are involved. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles while increasing flexibility. It makes you breathe healthy, and your heart rate runs faster.

As a healthy activity:
Going for a swim can offer you a lot of health benefits, ranging from improving the efficiency of your body's transportation system to taking off that feeling of stress and anxiety that has been keeping you down. to increases muscle strength and endurance while helping with weight management, and improves mental well-being.

Tell us about the health benefits of swimming..

If swimming is among your favourite hobbies, then you definitely have found a fantastic way you can improve your physical and mental health while you are enjoying the fun that comes with it at the same time. Swimming works on your lungs, cardiovascular endurance and mental endurance. As you move your legs, arms and trunk during swimming, different groups of muscles are being developed, making you more flexible with increased mobility. It takes away stress and makes you sleep better thereby improving your overall mental health.

Have you ever tried to swim? .Where did you do this in a river, pool or in a sea? And how was your experience?

I love swimming, though I am not comfortable with public swimming pools. If your question is; can you afford a private pool? The answer is No!. Swimming in a river is just perfect but unlike a swimming pool, there is a current in the river. The water runs towards a direction, and you often have to swim against it with little fish, weeds and the natural setting as side attractions. Some of our local streams are big, deep and clean enough for a refreshing swimming experience.
Sweeming in a stream is beautiful. Just mind the current, or else you may get swept away. The water is natural and continuously gets replaced; it has plenty of free-living organisms that keeps it clean.
A fast stream of cold water in the African sun is an interesting mix, along with the sound of tumbling water and a characteristic smell of freshness you can sense a mile away.

Share some tips and tricks to keep in mind while swimming.

At the stream, local kids often lure strangers into deep sections of the stream by getting there and treading water to make it look shallow. Though they will rescue you once you get in trouble, just to have a good laugh.
To tread water, you will have to swim to a deep area of the stream, stay vertical in the water and have your hands in the water, moving as if drawing an infinity sign. While your legs will be kicking continuously like a frog in a flutter kick.

When tired, allow your body to rest horizontally on the water with your hands and legs in the water. Being relaxed is very important for this to work. You will be floating on your back with your face out of the water. This is very effective when the water is calm. You will need this if you have to swim a long distance to get to safety.

Having plenty of air in your lungs makes it easy to float.

Note that swimming in very deep water is different from swimming in a stream. You dont have current in a lake or obstacles to dodge. You may have to deal with pressure at a certin depth and the turbidity of the water.

Invitation

I am inviting the following to participate: @josepha, @mahnoor123, @akareen and @oneray

Media Credit

Composer	@manuelhooks
Graphics from	pixabay.com
Entry type	Contest participation
Organizer	@abdullahw2
Date	Wed. 7th May
	(@) 2025