Swimming Facts

Swimming Fun Facts

  • In one hour, swimming burns about 40% more calories than biking and about 30% more calories than running per hour.

  • Swimming strengthens the heart and lungs.

  • Swimming can improve exercise-induced asthma.

  • Swimming lowers stress and depression.

  • Swimming in saltwater can detoxify the skin and promote new cell growth.

  • Aerobic activities like swimming can reduce inflammation.

  • Swimming can improve motor planning and coordination skills.

  • Swimming increases a person's awareness of their body while moving because the water makes contact with every part of their skin.

NO ONE IS DROWN PROOF!

  • Even a strong swimmer can drown in as little as 2 inches of water.

  • Drowning is the #1 cause of death in children between 1 and 4 years old.

  • Drowning is fast and silent. It can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds. Drowning doesn’t always look like we would expect.

  • According to the CDC, more than 9,000 people received emergency medical treatment for non-fatal submersion injuries in 2016.

  • Drowning doesn't always happen in a pool. Drowning can happen in toilets, buckets, and washing machines.

Drowning risk decreases by 88% for children participate in lessons before the age of 4

Children as young as 2 months can learn to save themselves by rolling onto their back and floating.

Most states require children under 12 to wear life vests

In states where no children's life jacket law is in place, a U.S. Coast Guard interim rule requires children under 13 on moving boats to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket that fits.

Only 46% of Americans "can swim"

A 2014 study conducted by the American Red Cross found only 46% of Americans could perform the 5 basic swimming skills;

  1. Step or jump into the water over your head

  2. Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute

  3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit

  4. Swim 25 yards to the exit without stopping

  5. Exit from the water