For the first time as a sport, swimming was included in the program of the Isthmian Games in 1300 BC. (Greece). In Rome, where the baths were built with swimming pools, preference was given to healthy swimming. And only in 1424 in Italy began to conduct organized bathing and swimming training. In 1538 Dane Nicolas Vynman wrote the first book on swimming “The Swimmer, or Dialogue on the Art of Swimming.” In 1603, a national swimming federation was formed in Japan (first). In 1785 the first school of swimming appeared in Paris. In 1889, Budapest hosted the first international swimming competitions. In 1896, swimming as a kind of program was included in the Olympic Games. In 1908 (1912) formed the International Amateur Swimming Federation – FINA.

The popularity of swimming as a sport is determined by its exceptionally high general development, health and educational effect, a wide program of swimming competitions.

  Initial training (for those who do not swim) – Training in swimming skills.

Educational and developmental – Ensuring achievement of physical development, basic physical and swimming preparedness.

 Wellness – tempering the body, strengthening health, providing psycho-physiological and psychophysical reliability.

  Applied – ensuring safety on the water (diving, rescuing sinking, overcoming water obstacles, etc.)

Sporting is the increase of normative (personal) achievements, which correspond to the specifics of swimming activity.

  Therapeutic – physical rehabilitation (promoting the restoration of the functional capabilities of the body), facilitating the operational optimization of the current functional state.

Recreational and Health – providing a healthy rest, satisfying emotional needs related to meaningful entertainment.

Systematic swimming lessons throughout the year harmoniously develop the basic qualities – strength, speed, agility, endurance and flexibility.

The enormous popularity of swimming as a sport for children and teenagers is explained by the absence of a risk of injury in class, the symmetrical development of all muscle groups, the hygienic-health effects of water and the directional influence of swimming on the development of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of the body.