As many of you already know, the sport of swimming is an immensely popular and highly competitive sport throughout the world. It is a large part of the Olympics and watched for entertainment by millions of people around. Not only is swimming a good choice of exercise for many people, but is often chosen as something to do for fun. People of all ages can enjoy the sport and can be essential to learn for emergency situations.
             Archaeological and other evidence has given us the belief that swimming has been practiced as early as 2500 BC. In the earliest times, it took place in Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome. In Japan, swimming dates back to the first century BC and in the Pacific areas, it was taught to children by the time they could walk. It was in Greece where a few, small races first began, and finally in 1837, London, England formed the first swimming organization. In the United States, swimming wasn't recognized until the year 1888. The Amateur Athletic Union created the first swimming organization in the United States.
             To begin to learn how to swim, one must first make sure they have another individual at their side when in water, at all times. This is for very important safety reasons. There are five basic strokes in swimming that are essential to learn when you first decide to learn how to swim. One is called the Front Crawl, which is absolutely the fastest and most popular stroke of all five. The Backstroke, or otherwise called the Elementary Backstroke, is a recreational and competitive stroke. The swimmer lies on his back in the water and strokes with one arm at a time. Next, the Breast stroke, which is a popular racing stroke, and is also recreational. Also, the Butterfly stroke, which is probably the most difficult racing stroke. Last is the Sidestroke. It is the least tiring and you lie on your side.
             Before you decide to become competitive with the sport of swimming, you must first be fit and create strength i...