Swimming is a popular recreational activity and a competitive sport, which usually takes place in a swimming pool, although many people swim in open water such as the sea, or a lake.

There are many health benefits of swimming, as the activity is a good form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels, although basic swimming skills need to be taught.

Swimming is a good form of exercise. As the density of the human body is approximately similar to that of water, the body is supported by the water and less stress is therefore placed on joints and bones. Swimming is frequently used as an exercise in rehabilitation after injuries, or for the disabled.

Swimming is considered a sport with a low risk of injury. Nevertheless there are some health risks with swimming. Most lethal risks in swimming are due to the inability to swim. It is recommended to swim in an area supervised by lifeguards and to pay attention to the water conditions.

Swimming was part of the first modern Olympic games in[1896 in Athens. In 1902 the trudgen was improved by Richard Cavill, using the flutter kick. In 1908, the world swimming association Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) was formed. Butterfly was first a variant of Breaststroke, until it was accepted as a separate style in 1952.