Swimming

Public health concerns during the Industrial Revolution led to swimming becoming a popular recreation in the UK. The National Swimming Society was founded in 1739, the main aim being to teach life-saving techniques for those finding themselves in difficulty in open water. Then industrial areas began to construct indoor swimming pools, providing a protected, controlled environment in which to enjoy and develop swimming skills.

The favourite stroke in those early days was breaststroke and most swimmers were male, with no mixed sessions for reasons of modesty. The Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846 gave the impetus for more widespread provision of pools and by the late 1800s swimming was fashionable. Outdoor lidos built in the 1920s/30s enabled access for all, if only for paddling.

After WW2 there was a focus on improving health facilities and swimming played its part. Lessons at local pools were introduced for schoolchildren, who could earn certificates for reaching certain standards. Therapy sessions for specific groups were introduced at some pools.

Meanwhile, swimming as a competitive sport was established from the 1830s onwards. The modern-day national body, Aquatics GB, holds annual championships and there are currently 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools in the UK, each with at least 10 lanes.

(Image from the London Olympics 2012: Marc at Flickr.com / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)