Many individuals confess they do not or cannot swim.
For developed countries it is part of physical education. In the UK, the government says :”Schools must provide lessons …so that by the end of primary school, pupils must be able to swim 25 meters unaided, perform basic self rescue and use a variety of strokes.“
Most common strokes are: Free style, front crawl, backward and butterfly.
Unless born around lakes, rivers and the sea, most of us Africans do not swim.
When I was growing in Arusha and Kilimanjaro, it was common to be teased: “watu wa bara hamjui kuogelea” – meaning mainlanders, cannot swim!
I begun “swimming” in River Temi here in Arusha, aged twelve. Then experienced a proper swimming pool in the house of a childhood friend, Stephen, whose dad, Aaron Mwakang’ata was the Arusha Regional Commissioner – late 1960s.
Stephen (younger brother of the late Daily News columnist, Adam Lusekelo) made us realise playing in River Temi was a good introduction to proper swimming.
And that is the ABC of this wonderful activity. You have to first get used to play and float and have fun in water, before considering suitable strokes, proper body movement, breathing, etc.
I would swim by copying others and eventually learn proper technique as years went by in pools and oceans across the planet. In Brazil swimming and beaches are part of the general health culture. Various sports like surfing are a common sight.
And so…
Why is swimming important?
Swimming is a low impact exercise. It does not damage tendons and ligaments like running or football. Swimming builds fitness by involving all muscles, subsequently, helping the body recover from certain illnesses like arthritis even insomnia.
Swimming is good for the heart, brain, mental and psychological health as it releases “feel good “ feelings (“endorphins”), boosting mood, reducing anxiety and depression – crucial for dealing with life.
Big question.
Why do some of us dislike water?
Here in London you often hear “its too cold” to swim. In Tanzania we used to be warned of a devilish creature -CHUNUSI- hiding in the sea. Scaremongering.
Swimming is for young and old.
Former swimmer and Olympic champion, Dara Torres, once said: “The water does not know how old you are.”
