National Swimming Day?

I know I said I would blog about my first triathlon experience next, but this just came to my attention. Today is National Running Day! If you are a runner or a triathlete, today is a day to celebrate running. So get out there and jog!

But what about National Swimming Day? A quick internet search reveals no such day! This humble blogger suggests swimmers revolt to claim a day for themselves!

Swimming at the Nation's Triathlon 2012

One day devoted to swimming actually does exist. It is the popular and incredibly important, but not quite the same National Learn to Swim Day. So I post the question: have you learned to swim? 

My issue with a lot of the "learning to swim" campaigns is that they are focused on children, neglecting the fact that many adults cannot swim either. Many adults are embarrassed to admit that they cannot swim or have a fear of deep water choosing never to learn as a result. According to a WSJ article, over 30% of adults cannot swim the length of a standard high school pool and comprise a shocking 70% of drowning deaths. 

Swimming is an important skill, great for exercise and it can be just plain fun. If you are someone who cannot swim or does not swim well, but wants to be a triathlete, there are several ways you can move forward (and dear readers feel free to add your suggestions in the comment section).

• Check with your local YMCA to see if they off adult classes. 
• Find a personal trainer with swim/lifeguard training. 
• Consult friends that have pools. Start small with trying to float then work your way up slowly.
• Get technique down from the start. Doggy paddling and keeping your head up the entire time are fine for playing in the pool, but unlearning those poor swimming skills will cost you training time down the road.
• Join the local US Masters Swimming team once you can swim at least 25 yards without stopping. This will make your training more efficient and it is cheaper than a personal trainer.
• If you can already swim, but are still unsure, choose a race that has a pool swim. There are even shorter triathlons with outdoor swims in no-higher-than-waist-deep water.
• Do not attempt a race until you feel comfortable swimming. You will be stressed before the race making the swim even rougher on you.
• Have fun! Swimming is challenging, but rewarding.

Don't be stuck out of the water!