Swimming
There are many who hold the opinion that the human species emerged from the water. Throughout the growing years many have held a fascination with water and enjoy favourite memories of time spent on or around the water with family and friends. Others have never made peace with or possess an uncontrollable fear of water. The common thread is that we know we can't live without water so we might as well enjoy and use it for fun, fitness and sport.
From our youngest days we enjoyed a playful if fitful relationship with water. We didn't mind playing with it but taking a bath in it was another story. Many a prairie slough had a diving board atop a log raft. A strong nearby tree provided a rope anchor to swing out and let go with a Geronimo scream. The landing was problematic for beneath the surface of the shallow slough was the muck squishing between the toes?. Yuk! No muck in the toes when Dad allowed for an occasional trip to one of the larger lakes with a real sand beach; but those opportunities were few and far between - maybe twice in a summer. Those fortunate enough to live in the city were able to go to a really clean outside chlorinated pool. Lessons were provided for a small fee and one could actually learn to swim.
At one time only the very rich had a pool in the backyard. Now backyard pools are commonplace for the common man and private indoor pools are 'de rigour' for the affluent. Most communities have indoor, year round swimming pools for the entire family to enjoy clean fun sport. Swim meets are scheduled almost every weekend. Daily usage fees are reasonable and season packages are affordable. Most communities plan pool time when adults and seniors can get into the pool and swim without the added concern of the ankle-biters trying to drown them. Many seniors participate in The Masters Swim Programme that follows proscribed norms to measure fitness and ability. Seniors continue to swim into their advanced years simply because swimming is seen as one of the most efficient conditioning and fitness sports. While the water helps support the body's weight the exercise of swimming keeps the muscles supple and the joints active. It is a body friendly way to maintain health and fitness while enjoying the support and socialization that comes from interacting with interesting people. If you don't swim to maintain your health - why aren't You?
For more information about swimming facilities and schedules go to: http://www.mastersswimming.bc.ca.
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