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National Learn to Swim Day

Ready to take the plunge? Join us for National Learn to Swim Day and get tips on mastering the basics of swimming from experts!
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Introduction

It's time to take the plunge and celebrate National Learn to Swim Day on the Third Saturday in May! This day is dedicated to promoting water safety and teaching people of all ages how to swim. Not only is it important for staying safe, but swimming can be a great way to stay active, increase endurance, and reduce stress. With a little bit of practice, you can become a confident swimmer in no time. So don't miss out on this special day – grab your towel and get ready for some fun in the sun!

History of National Learn to Swim Day

National Learn to Swim Day Dates

National Learn to Swim Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1804</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Swimming Initiatives</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the early 19th century, swimming became a focus group for physical education curriculum in schools across Europe and the U.S.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1896</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Olympic Swimming Events</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the advent of the modern Olympic Games, formal swimming competitions were held, bolstering interest in learning to swim.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1910</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The 'Crawl' Became Popular</div><div class='timeline-text'>Australian swimmer Dick Cavill introduced the 'front crawl' or 'freestyle' to the Western world, creating a swim-stroke revolution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bringing Swim Education to Public Schools</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major campaigns were launched in countries like Australia and the U.S. to introduce formal swim education programs in public schools.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Learn to Swim Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Swimways, a company promoting water safety and swimming, established National Learn to Swim Day to encourage people to practice swimming and promote water safety awareness.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Learn to Swim Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a swimming lesson</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some private or group swimming lessons with a qualified instructor to learn the basics of floating, breathing and strokes. Swimming is a great way to stay healthy and have fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go to the pool</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local pool and practice your swim skills. If you are feeling adventurous, try diving off the diving board or swimming laps. Swimming is a great form of exercise and can be a fun activity for the entire family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a pool party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather all your friends and family together and host a pool party. Everyone can take turns showing off their newly acquired swim skills, while having a great time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go to the beach</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pack up a picnic lunch and head to the beach. Enjoy some sand, sun, and swimming in the surf!  Be sure to bring your life jackets or flotation devices so everyone can stay safe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a water obstacle course</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create an obstacle course in your pool or lake with some floating objects or noodles.  Time yourself and friends as you race through the course!  This will help you get used to swimming in different directions while having fun.</p></div></div>

Why National Learn to Swim Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Learning to swim is a life skill</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Learning to swim is an essential life skill, which can be lifesaving. Whether it's in the ocean, a pool or a lake, being able to swim will ensure that you are better prepared for emergency situations. Plus, Swimming also provides an excellent full body workout and is fun for all ages!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes water safety</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Developing basic swimming skills not only helps promote general water safety, but also encourages people to take part in recreational activities such as surfing and boating. Knowing how to behave on open waters and being aware of the potential hazards can help prevent injuries and fatalities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages kids to stay active</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Swimming is an enjoyable form of exercise and National Learn to Swim Day inspires children (and adults!) to stay active throughout their lives. Swimming also benefits physical development by helping strengthen muscles, improve coordination and flexibility, build endurance, and increase cardiovascular health.</p></div></div>

Diving In: 5 Essential Learn to Swim Facts

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Swimming Exercises Almost all Muscles in the Body</h3><p class='facts-content'>Did you know that swimming involves the use of more than two-thirds of your body’s muscles? This makes it one of the most comprehensive and holistic exercises out there.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Swimming Can Boost Mood and Reduce Stress</h3><p class='facts-content'>Research has shown that swimming can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and even depression due to the release of endorphins, also known as “feel-good” neurotransmitters.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Swimming Lessons are Not Just for Kids</h3><p class='facts-content'>While it's often children we think of when picturing swim classes, adults can benefit greatly too. Stats show that over half of American adults cannot perform basic swim safety skills.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Earliest Depictions of Swimming Date Back to Stone Age</h3><p class='facts-content'>Prehistoric cave drawings in Egypt showcase people swimming, suggesting humans have been swimming for at least 10,000 years.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Swimming Aids in Asthma Control</h3><p class='facts-content'>Swimming trains your lungs, increasing lung volume, and can improve overall lung and breathing control, being especially beneficial to people with asthma.</p></div></div>

National Learn to Swim Day FAQs

When is National Learn to Swim Day?

National Learn to Swim Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 20

Saturday

2024

May 18

Saturday

2025

May 17

Saturday

2026

May 16

Saturday

2027

May 15

Saturday

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