Swimming is a very popular form of exercise, especially during summer with the warmer weather. Swimming can be dangerous if you don’t follow safety precautions.
- If you are not a strong swimmer, be sure to have a floating device near by. This will help prevent drowning and keeps you out of danger. Even if swimming is a strong skill of yours, always swim with a partner or a lifeguard near by.
- If you are going to a public pool or beach for a swim, read all posted signs that include warnings and rules. Always be aware of the depth of the pool. Jumping or diving in a shallow end could result in injuries.
- If a child is by a pool it is important to always be aware of what they are doing to keep them safe. When a child is in the pool, you have to be responsible for yourself and the child. Keep a float nearby and a safety kit in case the child gets hurt. Warn children not to run in wet areas.
When these safety tips are followed, swimming will also result in a beneficial exercise. Using swimming as a form of regular exercise can improve your cardiac health. Swimming increases heart contractility, decreases blood pressure, and improves the efficiency of the lungs and heart. All of these cardiovascular benefits helps relax the muscles, that increases the rate blood and oxygen are pumped through the body.
Swimming increases your heart rate while swimming. This is beneficial for the cardiovascular system since it trains the heart muscles to increase and decrease the heart rate. Swimming will also slow down the resting heart rate as well it helps increasing the amount of air your lungs can hold. Swimming increases lung capacity by training the lungs to hold as much air as they can. This can result in fewer breathing difficulties and better endurance.
Make sure to always keep in mind the safety precautions in order to get the most out of your exercise.