To swim according to Merriam-Webster dictionary means to propel oneself in water by natural means (such as movements of the limbs, fins, or tail). Wikipedia helps us to understand that “Competitive swimming is one of the most popular Olympic sports with varied distance events in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle and individual medley. Swimming is an individual or team racing sport that requires the use of one’s entire body to move through water.”
The 11th of April was a sad day for Nollywood as the famous actor Junior Pope was reported to have died. According to Okechukwu Obeta of Leadership Newspaper, “three more bodies of victims of the Anam River’s boat mishap that claimed the life of popular Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, were later also recovered”.
This is not just a time of so many what-ifs, it is a time for retrospect and doing the needful when it comes to our well-being. This is why swimming is no longer just a sport or a leisure but a survival skill that could save many lives in cases of a capsized boat.
“This reminds us of the Hero Joseph Blankson who died while saving 13 victims of a boat accident on the Abonnema-Bakana waterway in Rivers State on 28 July 2018. Blankson swam in and out of the river 13 times to rescue the passengers. Suffering from exhaustion, he died on the 14th rescue attempt. It was reported that Blankson was the only fatality in the boat accident.”:This was culled from Wikipedia. So, imagine having five Joseph Blanksons in one boat, there would be minimal deaths.
Swimming isn’t just about winning races anymore; it’s about staying safe in the water. Sadly, people drown too often, and that’s a big reason why knowing how to swim is crucial. Imagine you’re in a boat that flips over, or someone nearby starts struggling in the water. Being able to swim could mean the difference between life and death.
Think about Joseph Blankson, a hero who saved lives when a boat capsized. If more people knew how to swim like him, they could help prevent tragedies like drowning accidents. That’s why learning to swim isn’t just for fun—it’s a skill that could save your life or someone else’s. If Abuja Swimming Lessons (ASL) can teach you how to swim in 10 days, everyone should be able to obtain this life-saving skill. This survival skill will do you so much good.
Swimming isn’t just a way to stay safe in the water; it’s also a fantastic way to boost your overall health and wellness. When you swim, you’re using almost every muscle in your body, which makes it an excellent full-body workout.
Here are some reasons why swimming is a smart choice for your health:
Low-Impact Exercise: Unlike activities like running or weightlifting, swimming is gentle on your joints. This means you can get a great workout without putting too much strain on your body.
Cardiovascular Health: Swimming gets your heart pumping and improves your cardiovascular fitness. It helps strengthen your heart muscle, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.
Muscle Strength and Endurance: As you swim, you’re working your arms, legs, core, and back muscles. This helps build strength and endurance throughout your entire body.
Flexibility and Range of Motion: Swimming involves a wide range of motions, which can improve flexibility and joint mobility. It’s especially beneficial for people with arthritis or other joint issues.
Stress Relief: Swimming can be a relaxing and meditative activity. The rhythmic movement of swimming and the feel of the water can help reduce stress and promote mental relaxation.
Weight Management: Swimming burns calories and can help you maintain a healthy weight. It’s an excellent option for people looking to lose weight or tone their muscles.
Improved Lung Function: Swimming requires controlled breathing, which can improve lung capacity and respiratory efficiency over time.
Overall, swimming is a versatile exercise that offers numerous health benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, build strength and endurance, or simply unwind and de-stress, swimming can be a valuable addition to your health and wellness routine.