One of the five aquatic sports currently being supervised by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) is synchronized swimming. This sport combines swimming with gymnastics and ballet. Accompanied by music, synchronized swimmers perform a sequence of complex moves.
Performers in a competition are judged based on three criteria: difficulty of every movement; satisfactory execution and synchronization of routine; and the ease projected by the swimmers while performing the elaborate moves.
Obviously, synchronized swimmers are no ordinary swimmers; they ought to possess grace, flexibility, artistry, perfect timing, endurance, and power all at once. Also, competitors need to have superior breath control, which is especially important while performing underwater upside down.
Overall, competitors need to have advanced water skills. Specifically in synchronized swimming, several sets of basic skills are used. Two of these are the various forms of sculls and the different types of lifts. The following notes describe how each of these basic skills is performed:
Sculls:
Ordinarily, sculls are oars used to propel a boat forward. Thus in synchronized swimming, sculls are hand movements used to propel the body. It is impossible to perform synchronized swimming sans the different sculls that include foot-first, head-first, barrel, split, thrust, paddle, and support.
The latter is used to support the body during an upside down routine. In this skill, the upper arms are held against the sides of the body, while the lower arms - which are moved back and forth - are angled 90 degrees to the body. This causes some pressure to work against the hands which, in turn, enables the swimmers to hold their legs above water while performing their routine.
Lifts:
These skills are used to propel teammates out of the water. The three different types of lift are platform, stack, and throw.
In the platform type of lift, one of the members of the team prepares in a back layout position; another member (the one to be lifted out of the water) then stands on top of the one lying down. The rest of the team lift the "platform" out of the water using a technique called "eggbeater". In this technique, swimmers momentarily propel their bodies out of the water with the use of their legs.
The stack lift is a sort of an improvement of the platform type. It is made up of the member to be lifted (called the "flyer"), the pushers or lifters, and the base (not lying down, but in a squatting position this time). This results in a higher lift because both the flyer and the base are able to extend their legs.
The throw is considered the most difficult among all the types of lift. Its setup is similar to that of the stack lift. On reaching the lift's peak, the flyer performs acrobatic movements.
Synchronized swimming is usually performed in duets or teams, but may also be performed individually. Depending on the rules and the technical requirements of a competition, a routine can last from 2 to 5 minutes. Large teams understandably need to perform longer to complete the elements of their routine.
Swimming is an exercise that is good for people of all ages and of most any physical condition. It can be performed with little risk of strain. In turn, there is a form of swimming exercise that is used as a form of training for athletes and also for use as a therapy. This is known as resistance swimming.
As a form or method of exercise for swimmers, resistance swimming is useful when training for any of the swimming styles or strokes. Its simplest form makes use of a restraining device that keeps the swimmer rather fixed in a particular position while swimming. Swimming machines are used to create an "artificial" flow of water against which the swimmers perform the exercise.
Thus, resistance swimming is synonymous to the use of any of the various types of swimming machines. The pressure-driven swimming machines are examples of these. Included here are the bare propulsion system and the swim spas (single- and dual-zone systems).
Pressure-driven swimming machines work on at least one pump. They artificially set the water in motion. A 3-horsepower (2.24-kilowatt) motor discharges water at the rate of 13 liters per second, or 206.05 US gallons per minute. Some models, which are attached to pools, work simply as a propulsion system. Here, an explosive force of motion is produced by means of a metal-water reaction, which is made possible by the action of a high alternating magnetic field on metal fuel slurry.
Other more convenient models are those that actually come in the form of a spa. These models often are fiberglass shells fitted with a number of pool pumps that set the water in motion. One example of a typical model consists of an exercise pool with swim jets at one end. In addition, it has at least one seat equipped with a massage jet at the other end.
Open water swimming and triathlon competitors prefer to use these pressure-driven swim spas in their training because the turbulence produced in these machines simulate that which they usually encounter in the sea during actual competition. This, the athletes say, improve their endurance and overall fitness.
Another model of the pressure-driven swim spa, called the dual-zone system (developed in the 1980s), consist of two pools. Water temperature in each of the pools can be set at different degrees. Also, the kind of chemical that may be used for each of the pools can be varied. In the therapeutic pool, for instance, bromine is used and water temperature is moderately hot, which is ideal for massage and/or relaxation. The athletic-training pool, on the other hand, uses chlorine, with water temperature suited for vigorous exercise.
The most basic kinds of swimming machines are those called countercurrent swimming machines. A machine of this type is made up of a tank, with length two times and width one and a half times those of an average individual (arms and legs extended). The swimmer swims sans restraint against the water's movement artificially created by a propeller, paddle wheel, or jet.
By far, the biggest risk associated with swimming pools is drowning. It is for this very reason why most pool owners enclose their pools with fences. As a matter of fact, some countries have pool fence laws primarily to protect children and pets from falling into the pool.
In Australia, for example, the law requires pool owners to install a 4-foot (1.2-meter) high fence around their pool and secure this with a self-latching gate. The best kind of pool fence is the chain-link type, which allows one to see through to the pool.
There are different types of pool fences, and they are determined by the kind of materials used on them. As examples, there are the wooden types, tubular steel types, glass types, and aluminum tube types. A pool fence may also be distinguished by other means, such as when we refer to the baby guard type or the removable mesh type.
The removable mesh swimming pool safety fence is actually the only type of fence that is exclusively used around the pool. The other types were originally meant for other uses until they were considered good alternatives to the removable mesh type. Pool owners should not be confused by these terms when they hear them: mesh fence, child fence, pool fencing, pool barrier, safety fence, or simply swimming pool fence; they all refer to the same removable mesh type of pool safety fence.
A typical removable fence has a series of sections, with lengths ranging from 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.6 meters). A childproof latch links the sections at the top. Each section, in turn, is made up of several poles, which are arranged at intervals. The poles are set on aluminum (sometimes plastic) inserts that are core-drilled into the deck of the pool and a weblike material (mesh) that extends across the poles.
A firmly built pool fence is one that has been subjected to extreme tensioning during manufacture. On installation, it must be tightened to the appropriate degree.
The type of pool fence a pool owner chooses should depend on his budget and specific needs. Here, he can choose from among several colors available. Also, he can select the kind of material used for the support poles (usually they are made of fiberglass or aluminum).
Apart from pool fences, there are other measures pool owners can take to prevent accidents from occurring in or around the pool. Foremost, where a child is concerned, is never to leave him/her out of your sight or unattended, even in a baby pool. Toys, which lure children, should be kept away from the pool area, especially when no adult is there.
No one should ever be allowed to dive into the shallow end of the pool. Always make sure that the diving board is perfectly anchored. In relation to these, ensure that rescue devices are kept near the pool.
Another safety measure pool owners must observe relates to prevention of another kind of accident that can occur around the swimming pool - poisoning. Make sure that all chemicals used to keep the pool clean are locked up.
Athletes with physical and visual disabilities compete in the different fields of the Paralympic Games. Twenty sports events make up the program of the Summer Paralympic Games. One of these events is swimming and, hence, is called Paralympic swimming.
But Paralympic swimming is also played in sports competitions for the physically- and visually-impaired athletes in many countries. Its rules conform with those outlined by the International Swimming Federation (FINA), most of which are similar to those applied in competitions for able-bodied athletes.
Paralympic swimming participants are grouped into six categories: amputee, visually impaired, wheelchair, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and all other physical disabilities not falling strictly within any one of the first five mentioned. The participants are further classified according to their varying level of disability. This is necessary to ensure that every event will be among swimmers with the same level of function.
The three main groupings are as follows:
1. 1 to 10 - for the physically impaired, with S1 being the most severe and S10 the least.
2. 11 to 13 - for the visually impaired, S11 the most severe and S13 the least.
3. 14 - for those with learning difficulty (this group, however, is not currently included in the Paralympic Games).
The groupings are assigned with prefixes to further distinguish the classes:
• S - for the class earmarked for the freestyle, butterfly and backstroke events.
• SB - for the class earmarked for the breaststroke event.
• SM - for the class earmarked for individual medley.
Here are a few examples of how competitors in Paralympic swimming are classified. The examples given are the most and least severe classes of each of the first two of the three groupings. Keep in mind, as stated previously, that the severity of the disability decreases as the classes go up in rank.
Group 1:
• Classes S1, SB1, and SM1 - These include swimmers with severe coordination problems in both legs, both hands, and trunk; they have very little use of their shoulders. Usually they are wheelchair bound and may rely on others for much of their needs.
• Classes S10, SB9 and SM10 - In these classes are swimmers considered to have the most physical ability. They include those with limitation of movement of the hip joint, those whose legs are minimally affected by weakness, those missing either of the hands, those with either of the legs amputated below the knee, or those with misshapen feet.
Group 2:
• Classes S11, SB11 and SM11 - Included in these classes are swimmers who are completely sightless. They are required to wear blackened goggles while competing. With the use of a pole, persons designated as "tappers" will tap the swimmers to let them know they are nearing the wall and thus must prepare for the turn.
• Classes S13, SB13 and SM13 - Swimmers in these classes are the most sighted, although they are still legally considered blind. Qualification for competing in these classes is as per visual category B3, as defined by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).
Group 3, which has classes S14, SB14 and SM14 under it, includes swimmers with recognized intellectual impairment. Again, this group has been excluded in the Paralympic Games.
Swimming, whether for recreation or in competition, requires the use of certain equipment, aids or accessories. The essential ones are, of course, swimsuits and goggles (the latter are particularly important in competitive swimming).
Some swimming accessories are used to aid the swimmer in some specific water exercises, to enhance the swimmer's performance in his/her chosen style, or simply for protection. Examples of optional swimming aids and accessories are fistgloves, hand paddles, kickboard, leg float, and swim cap.
Fistgloves:
These gloves, which are made of latex, are different from the ordinary gloves in that they do not have sheaths for the individual fingers. When worn, a fistglove gives the hand the shape of a fist. Swimmers who practice the forward crawl often use fistgloves to enhance their feeling for water. During practice while the gloves are on, the open palms are deprived of the feel of the water. Once the gloves are taken off, the hands get a better feel of the rush of water at each stroke.
Hand Paddles:
These are plastic devices worn on the hands during practice to enhance the swimmer's speed, muscle buildup, or arm strength. The latter can be helped further if the paddles are used in conjunction with another swimming aid or accessory - the leg float. Some of the most commonly used types of hand paddles are the sculling and vortex paddles (for building upper body strength), freestyle paddles (to enhance a swimmer's performance in freestyle), and finger paddles (to enhance a swimmer's performance in any swimming stroke).
Kickboard:
This is a flotation device used to develop or enhance the kicking action of a young swimmer or a beginner; for the more experienced swimmers, it can aid in refining the kicking technique. Kickboards can likewise help to strengthen a swimmer's legs. They may be used when practicing any of the swimming strokes.
Leg Float:
This is a piece of closed-cell foam made in the shape of the figure "8". It is an excellent training device for enhancing upper body strength and developing endurance. The float is placed between the legs in the crotch area. The purpose of this device is to let the swimmer focus on training only his/her arms, while providing support to the body without the need for kicking the legs.
This device is also sometimes called "pull buoy." However, the use of this term is often avoided when referring to the leg float, so as not to confuse (when only heard and not read) with "pool buoy," the floating plastic line used to mark a pool's separate lap lanes.
Swim Cap:
Also called "bathing cap," this accessory may be worn by both recreational and competitive swimmers. It is made of silicone or latex, and is generally used to keep the hair dry or protect the hair against the effects of the chlorine in the water. When used with ear plugs, a swim cap can also help keep water out of the ears. Swim caps are especially useful during long swimming sessions, when it is important to keep the swimmer's head warm.
Other swimming aids and accessories may be used depending on the needs of a swimmer. These include water wings (inflatable armbands), monofin, swim tube (inflatable lifebelt), and any of the swimming machines.
Swimming is such an interesting subject that not a few movie makers considered at one time or another creating films based on this topic. In fact, there already were a number of films shown that carried the theme of "swimming." Here are eight of them:
"Dangerous When Wet"
This is a 1953 musical that starred Esther Jane Williams, an American competitive swimmer who set a number of national and regional records during her teen years. The movie is most memorable for its featured animated swimming sequence, showing Williams with Tom and Jerry, the well-loved cat-and-mouse duo.
"The Swimmer"
The title alone leaves no doubt that this 1968 film touches on the theme of "swimming." It starred Burt Lancaster in the lead role (Ned Merrill). At one crucial point in his life, Ned vowed to "swim home," by swimming in every pool that he'll come across in his journey.
"Alex"
Classified as a sports drama, this 1993 film had Lauren Jackson in the lead role of Alex Archer. Alex dreams of competing in the Olympics (the Rome Olympics in particular), and seriously prepares for it. She's teeming with confidence when another swimmer of her caliber emerges and begins challenging her in every competition she enters in.
"Swimfan"
This 2002 American film starred Jesse Bradford as Ben Cronin, an aspiring Olympian swimmer training seriously to impress an athletic scout who is set to visit their place. His Olympic swimming dream is placed in jeopardy when the girl he had a one-night stand with threatens to wreck his life.
"On A Clear Day"
This is a 2005 British drama movie, which starred Peter Mullan in the role of Frank Redmond. Frank is an engineer in the shipyards on the River Clyde when he was let go of the company he's working for due to redundancy. Finding himself suddenly out of job, Frank, a naturally strong swimmer, gets a seemingly "out-of-this-world" idea with his friends to swim across the English Channel. His obsession for this new goal led to his rediscovering himself.
"Swimming Upstream"
This is a 2003 Australian film based on the life story of Australian swimmer Tony Fingleton (Jesse Spencer played the role). Tony grew up in a troubled family, constantly overshadowed by his five siblings in their father's eyes. Swimming became his outlet and it is through his extraordinary talent in this sport that he felt he finally has that chance of making his father proud of him.
"Pride"
This 2007 film starred Terrence Howard as Jim Ellis, a real-life swimming coach. Despite being an excellent swimmer, Jim was often the subject of discrimination from swimmers of other teams because he was the only black swimmer on his college team. As a coach, he dedicated himself to "saving" the troubled teens of Philadelphia by starting a swim team for them.
"Victor"
This is a 2-hour movie that was telecast on CBC Television in 2008. It is about the life of Victor Davis (played by swimmer Mark Lutz), a Canadian Olympic and world champion swimmer. The film captures Victor's heroic legacy, from his winning 29 national titles to his triumphant swim for the Gold in the 200-meter breaststroke event of the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Other notable films about swimming include "Les Diaboliques," "The Guardian," "Alphaville," "Children of Glory," and "Water Lilies".
Watching the various water sports competitions, particularly swimming, have made us familiar with some of the swimsuits being worn by competitors. Of course, swimsuits are not confined for use only in such competitions; they are also donned by those who swim simply for recreation.
Swimsuits come in different styles. There are swimsuits fashioned for use exclusively by women as there are those made exclusively for men. Still other swimming outfit styles are unisex.
Some of the most popular swimming outfit styles for men include boardshorts, drag suits, jammers, racing briefs, square cut suits, and trunks. Below are brief descriptions of each.
Boardshorts:
These swimming outfits, which are loose-fitting, knee-length style of shorts, are named as such because they were originally worn by those who participate in surfing, a water sport that uses a board. The name continues to be justified as the outfits are preferred by competitors in the different aquatic boardsports events, such as bodyboarding, skimboarding, and wakeboarding. But their popularity has spread to enthusiasts of other water sports, primarily because of their practical style.
Drag suits:
These fall under the "competitive swimwear" category. They are worn by swimmers over their inner swimsuit during training, the purpose for which is to give extra resistance from the water. In competition, however, swimmers understandably do not use drag suits as these make swimming more difficult.
Jammers:
Swimming competitors use these outfits because of the speed advantages they get from them. They are made of elastic materials (examples, nylon and spandex) and are designed for minimal water resistance. Their usual length extends from the mid-waist to just above the knee.
Racing briefs:
These male swimsuits come in the same style as underwear briefs. They are form fitting with a solid back and a V-shape front, which usually has a white lining on the inside. Some racing briefs are made of Lycra, while others are of polyester material. An elasticized waistband and a thin strip at the upper thighs secure the outfit in place. Racing briefs are most often used in swimming and diving competitions.
Square cut suits:
Also called square leg suits, these outfits are often used in recreational swimming, diving, and water polo. Their design of a quadrate seam opening for the leg provides a "square" coverage for the upper thighs, hence the name. Made from spandex-nylon combination, these swimsuits are somewhat similar in appearance to racing briefs, except that they provide more coverage for the upper leg.
Trunks:
These are perhaps the most popular swimsuit style for men in North America. They are very similar to boxer shorts, extending from the waist to mid-upper leg. Most trunks are made of nylon and come in various designs. A mesh lining ensures quick drying.
Two other less popular swimming outfit styles for men are the fundoshi and the mankini. The fundoshi is a traditional Japanese undergarment for men that is sometimes used as a swimwear. In fact, some high school boys in Japan compete in open water swimming wearing fundoshi.
The mankini (a portmanteau of the words "man" and "bikini"), on the other hand, is a close-fitting, one-piece buttock-revealing swimsuit for men popularized in the movie "Borat".
