Swimming in the Summertime: A Universal Joy
Absolutely ‘yes’! Swimming is one of my greatest joys in the summertime, and I highly recommend it to everyone. It’s the best way to relax and cool off during the hot summer months.
Swimming Experiences Across the USA
In the summer, I immerse myself in the refreshing waters of Lake Erie near Cleveland, Ohio, and various state parks and swimming pools in Ohio and Pennsylvania. On a recent visit to Gunnison Beach in New Jersey, I enjoyed multiple swims in the ocean. Just last week, I indulged in the cool waters of the Allegheny River, an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Swimming is such a versatile activity, whether it's in lakes, oceans, or rivers.
Australian Beach Culture and Swimming Traditions
As an Australian, swimming is an integral part of my life, especially during the summer months. Our beaches are not only beautiful but also free to access, which means that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can enjoy them. If we had a Bill of Rights, it would include free access to beaches. In places where the surf is not ideal, or for younger children, there are free ocean baths on most patrolled beaches along the New South Wales (NSW) coast.
Even in areas far from the beach, there are public swimming pools, dams, and rivers. Many people, even on modest incomes, find a way to install a backyard pool. One of the most memorable parts of growing up with a pool was the slippery dip, where I learned to float, swim, dive, do bombs (cannonballs), handstands, and snorkel. During the summer school holidays, there wasn’t a day I didn’t go to the pool. Even during term time, we’d rush home after school to spend hours in the pool until our mother called us for tea, which usually involved a BBQ with salad eaten in the backyard.
Swimming Education and Safety
Swimming education has been a priority in Australia, particularly in NSW. Every child, whether they are 5 or 15, was taught to swim free of charge during school hours. The goal was not just for children to learn to swim, but to also acquire rescue and resuscitation techniques, represented by the Bronze Medallion certificate. While these free swimming programs have been scaled back due to insurance costs and legal requirements, the love for swimming remains strong. Sadly, more children are drowning due to the lack of such programs and affordable private lessons.