5 sports for which it is necessary to know how to swim

 When we think of the ability to swim within the sports field, we place ourselves directly in swimming. However, there are other disciplines for which knowing how to swim becomes an essential requirement. Do you have any idea what they are?

Precisely, one of the characteristics of the sports that we are going to list is that, in addition to taking advantage of the benefits of swimming with a lifeguarding course, they combine them with other benefits of each one of them. If you are interested in moving in the water, but not measuring yourself in speed or resistance tests, perhaps one of these alternatives is the ideal one for you.

5 sports for which we need to know how to swim

Not only synchronized swimming or trampoline jumping are variants of sports that demand this skill. Next, we are going to know a few more options in which knowing how to swim fluently is essential:

1. Waterpolo

We start this list with a collective discipline: water polo. In short, we could define it as a mix between handball and swimming. The basic premise of this sport is that two teams of seven players each – six players and a goalkeeper – face each other with the aim of scoring goals by introducing a ball into the opposite goal.

Players must abide by certain rules, regardless of their position on the field, such as not jumping with both arms raised or taking the ball with both hands. The pools measure 30 meters long by 20 meters wide and 1.80 meters deep. Of course, knowing how to swim well is essential to excel in this sport.

2. Powerboat

It is, in fact, a family of sports that includes various disciplines, each regulated by a particular international federation. In this way, we can list the following modalities:

• High seas or offshore speed.
• Endurance.
• Speed ​​on the coast or inshore.
• Rally racing.
• Dragster-type racing.

The differences between them have to do with the competition site, the duration of the tests, and, above all, the characteristics of the boat. Of course, there are very strict security measures in relation to these races. All require the requirement of knowing how to swim since it is a water sport in which you have to be prepared for any inconvenience.

3. Canoeing

This sport can be practiced in kayaks or canoes. What differs between these two options is the position of the paddler and the type of paddle that is used; In addition, both present the possibility of practicing them individually, in pairs, or in a group. There are also alternative disciplines, such as rafting, in which other boats are used.

Although the most practiced modality is in calm waters, canoeing can be developed in rough waters, with obstacles and downstream. As is evident, the possibility of ending up immersed in the water is considerable for the athlete. So, knowing how to swim and having the necessary safety equipment becomes essential.

4. Surfing and other related disciplines

Surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddle surfing, and bodyboarding are just some of the options within this group of sports. The common characteristic of all of them is that a table is needed for their practice. With this element, you must cross the waves doing all kinds of stunts and, of course, without losing your balance.

However, the latter is not easy at all. For this reason, long before learning to surf, an athlete must learn to swim. In this way, work of progressive difficulty can be carried out to advance in a discipline that is as challenging as it is exciting.

5. Triathlon and pentathlon

Finally, we include disciplines such as the triathlon (three sports) and the pentathlon (five), which consist of a combination of tests that demand different skills from the participants. Some of the following disciplines may be included:

Swimming, cycling, and running (in that order, they make up the triathlon).

Fencing, swimming, show jumping, laser runs, and running (modern pentathlon; until 1912 included wrestling and discus and javelin throwing).

In the case of the triathlon, swimming is the first discipline that is carried out within the group; in the pentathlon, it ranks in the top three. This has to do with security reasons since the athletes get tired and it is advisable to leave the riskiest discipline for first place.

As you can see, knowing how to swim is not only useful to participate in traditional tests in an Olympic pool but also opens the spectrum to many other less 'popular' but equally exciting alternatives. Would you like to practice any of the sports mentioned?