13 Interesting Facts About Swimming (You Won’t Believe #10!)

Dive into the fascinating water world as we uncover some incredible and surprising facts about swimming that will leave you amazed. 

From the secrets of underwater vision to the exhilarating feats of Olympic champions, swimming is more than just a leisurely activity; it’s a world filled with intriguing details and astonishing records. 

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or simply curious about the aquatic realm, these 13 fun facts about swimming are bound to make a splash in your knowledge pool. So, grab your goggles and explore the depths of swimming’s most captivating revelations.

1. Infants Have Swimming Reflex

The infant swimming reflex is a fascinating innate response observed in very young babies when they are placed in water. It is a survival mechanism that underscores the adaptability of humans to aquatic environments. 

When submerged in water, infants instinctively demonstrate a series of involuntary actions. These actions typically include the automatic closure of the epiglottis, which prevents water from entering the airway, and rhythmic movements of the arms and legs that mimic swimming strokes. 

The infant’s reflex to hold its breath when immersed in water is crucial as it ensures that the baby does not inhale water, reducing the risk of drowning. While this reflex highlights the remarkable way human infants are adapted to water, it is essential to note that it does not make infants water-safe. 

Infants should never be left unattended in water, as they cannot effectively navigate or control their movements. Adult supervision is always necessary to ensure the safety of infants around water.

2. Swimming Keeps You Young

Swimming can combat the effects of ageing with its many physical and mental benefits. Regular swimming has been associated with several positive effects on the body and mind:

  • Neural Health: Swimming engages various muscle groups and promotes cardiovascular health, which can enhance blood flow to the brain. This improved blood flow may support neural health and cognitive function, potentially slowing or reducing age-related cognitive decline.
  • Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is among the signs of ageing. Physical activity like swimming can help reduce inflammation. This low-impact exercise can be particularly gentle on ageing joints.
  • Mood Enhancement: Swimming can positively impact mood and mental well-being. When swimming, endorphins are released, alleviating stress, depression, and anxiety. This helps in promoting a more positive appearance and outlook on life.
  • Cognitive Functions: Regular swimming can improve memory and cognitive functions. The physical activity, relaxation, and the cognitive demands of coordinating movements while swimming can benefit mental acuity.

3. Swimmers Float More Easily In Saltwater Than In Freshwater

Floating is easier in saltwater than in freshwater due to the higher density of saltwater. This buoyancy in saltwater can make maintaining a horizontal body position easier and reduce the effort required to stay afloat.

Also, swimmers in saltwater may expend less energy to stay afloat than those in freshwater. This can be particularly relevant for long-distance and open-water swimmers, where conserving energy is crucial for endurance.

Competitive swimmers must often adjust their stroke techniques when transitioning from freshwater to saltwater environments. The differences in buoyancy and water density can affect the feel of the water and the efficiency of strokes.

4. Swimming Burns A Lot Of Calories 

Swimming is often recognised as one of the most effective calorie-burning exercises. This is because it engages different muscle groups simultaneously and requires continuous movement against water resistance.

You can burn up to 180 calories after a 30-minute leisurely swim and more if you are doing high-intensity swimming. What makes this activity even more attractive to those who want to lose weight is that it minimises the risk of injury, which leads us to the next surprising fact.

5. Low-Impact High-Return

Swimming’s low-impact nature is one of its most appealing qualities. Unlike high-impact activities like running, which can place significant stress on joints and muscles, swimming is gentle on the body. 

This is all thanks to the water’s buoyancy. It supports the body’s weight, reducing the risk of injury and making it an ideal exercise for individuals with joint problems or those recovering from injuries. Despite its low-impact nature, swimming offers high returns regarding cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning, and overall physical well-being.

6. Some Humans Have Superior Underwater Vision

One of the most interesting facts about swimming is underwater vision. The human body possesses a fascinating adaptation known as the dive reflex, which helps us see more clearly underwater. 

When the face is submerged in water, this reflex triggers a series of responses, including the constriction of the pupil and a change in the shape of the eye’s lens. This reduces the amount of light entering the eye, while the altered lens shape optimises focus underwater. 

Sea gypsy tribes in Southeast Asia, like the Moken, exhibit remarkable underwater vision. Moken children, in particular, have superior underwater acuity, seeing more than twice as well as European children. 

They achieve this by constricting their pupils and accommodating to the limit of human performance, allowing them to excel in collecting food from the sea floor without visual aids, a crucial skill for their sea-dependent lifestyle.

7. Ice Swimming Can Boost Immunity

Ice swimming, also known as winter swimming, is an extreme sport involving swimming in near-freezing water temperatures. This challenging activity is typically practised in icy lakes, rivers, or even holes cut in frozen bodies of water. 

Ice swimmers must contend with cold shock, hypothermia, and the physical demands of swimming in extremely cold conditions. Despite its extreme nature, some athletes are drawn to the mental and physical challenges of ice swimming, and it has gained popularity as an adventurous and unconventional sport. 

Participants often have to gradually acclimate their bodies to the cold and use specialised gear like insulated swim caps and wetsuits to protect themselves from frigid temperatures.

8. Blue Is The Most Common Colour For Swimming Pools

The default colour for indoor and outdoor swimming pools is blue for several reasons. Firstly, blue is chosen because it contrasts with the white lane markers, allowing swimmers to see their lanes more clearly during races. This visibility is essential to prevent collisions and ensure fair competition. Additionally, blue water is aesthetically pleasing and enhances the spectator experience.

Blue is also associated with calmness and serenity, which can benefit swimmers looking to maintain focus and reduce anxiety before swimming races. Overall, the choice of blue for swimming pools is practical and contributes to the sport’s aesthetics and ambience.

9. Astronauts Swim For Training

Astronauts use neutral buoyancy pools for training, which mimic the weightlessness of space. The pools allow astronauts to simulate tasks they will perform during spacewalks or extravehicular activities (EVAs), essential for ensuring the safety and success of missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and other space exploration endeavours. 

By training in these swimming pools, astronauts can gain experience handling the challenges of working in space, such as the lack of gravity and the need for precise control.

10. Most Swimmers Shave Before The Competition

This is one weird swimming stuff you may not believe. But it’s a practice of many athletes. Professional swimmers shave their entire bodies before competitions to reduce water resistance and enhance performance in the water. 

When swimmers shave, they remove the fine hair on their bodies, which can create drag when they move through the water. By eliminating this drag, swimmers can glide more smoothly and efficiently, potentially gaining precious milliseconds in races.

Additionally, the psychological aspect of body shaving is significant. It symbolises a fresh start, mental preparation for the upcoming competition, and a commitment to giving one’s best effort. Swimmers often report feeling faster and more streamlined after shaving, which can boost their confidence and focus.

11. Michael Phelps Won The Most Medals in Olympic History

Michael Phelps is a name synonymous with swimming excellence and Olympic glory. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Olympians of all time, and his record-breaking achievements in the pool have solidified his legacy in the world of sports.

Michael Phelps holds the record for the most Olympic medals any athlete in history won. Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold medals. His remarkable achievements spanned multiple Olympic Games, from his debut in Sydney in 2000 to his final appearance in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

12. Professional Swimmers Can Swim 6-12 Miles A Day

Professional swimmers undergo extensive training daily, covering 6-12 miles, to build stamina, endurance, and strength. They train using high-intensity intervals, technique work, and long-distance swims. 

Swimming long distances daily significantly strains the cardiovascular system and requires muscular strength and endurance. Swimmers must develop efficient stroke techniques to maximise their distance and minimise fatigue. 

Swimming for miles daily also tests mental resilience and requires focus, determination, and the ability to push through physical discomfort. Swimmers set specific training goals, and coaches carefully plan their training programs to target specific areas for improvement.

13. An Olympic Pool Has 660,000 Gallons of Water.

Olympic-sized swimming pools are built to meet international competition standards. The standard dimensions of an Olympic pool are 50 metres in length, 25 metres in width, and at least 2 metres deep. 

To calculate the volume of water, you multiply the pool’s length, width, and depth. 

An Olympic pool holds around 660,430 gallons of water. Maintaining water quality in such a massive swimming pool is a significant logistical challenge, and advanced filtration and circulation systems are essential.

Conclusion About Interesting Facts About Swimming

Swimming is a sport that offers more than just a refreshing dip in the water. It has yielded remarkable feats and extraordinary achievements, from Michael Phelps to the anti-ageing benefits of swimming. 

If you’ve been inspired by these astonishing facts about swimming and are eager to improve your aquatic skills, there’s no better time to start than now. At JustSwim Singapore, we’re passionate about bringing the joy and benefits of swimming to people of all ages and skill levels.

We offer adults and kids swimming lessons in Singapore, tailoring the programmes to your specific goals. 

Our professional instructors are dedicated to helping you develop the skills and confidence you need to become a proficient and confident swimmer. Whether you want to improve your technique, build endurance, or simply experience the unparalleled joy of swimming, our classes cater to your needs. 

Join our swimming lessons in Singapore today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Interesting Facts About Swimming

Are There Infant Swimming Classes?

Yes. Infant swimming classes are available, and these lessons are designed to safely introduce babies to the water. These classes typically focus on building water confidence, teaching basic water safety skills, and providing an enjoyable experience for the baby and the parent or caregiver.

It’s important to choose reputable instructors and facilities specialising in infant swimming for the safety and well-being of your child.

Are Swimming Techniques For Saltwater And Freshwater Different?

Swimming techniques can vary slightly between saltwater and freshwater due to differences in buoyancy and water density, but the fundamental skills are generally the same. 

Adaptations are typically minor, and most swimming skills are transferable between the two environments. If you are interested in formal open-water swimming lessons, contact JustSwim Singapore.

Is Ice Swimming For Everyone?

Ice swimming is not suitable for everyone, as it is an extreme and demanding activity with risks and challenges. It involves swimming in near-freezing water, which can be dangerous if not approached with caution. 

Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, circulatory issues, or cold intolerance, should avoid ice swimming.

How Can I Overcome My Fear Of Water Or Swimming?

Overcoming a fear of water or swimming often involves gradual exposure and building confidence. Consider taking swimming lessons with a patient and experienced instructor, starting in shallow water and progressing at your own pace.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darren

Darren

Darren, the owner of JustSwim Singapore, is dedicated to making swimming accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With a dedication to water safety and skill development, Darren is passionate about helping individuals build confidence and enjoy the benefits of swimming.