WeeklySA_AdminBuild: Swimming helps to reduce chances of chronic illnesses and also builds stamina levels
By WSAM Skills Writer
The strategic importance of diving as a skill in swimming has been brought to the spotlight following an announcement by the South African Navy (SAN) that it is recruiting strong swimmers to boost the human-powered underwater corps in the maritime service.
According to SAN, theirs is not a recruitment drive, but a specific search for diver candidates. As the naval division of South African National Defence Force (SANDF), SAN says it is visiting all nine of South Africa’s provinces to recruit strong swimmers to boost the human-powered underwater corps in the maritime service. The SAN believes that divers are an important and often unseen component of naval operations.
Some experts say diving should also be regarded as a necessary skill in swimming. Some describe diving as an aquatic sport where the competition is based on how an athlete dives into a swimming pool from a raised launch pad, while performing acrobatic movements.
Based on the launch pads used, they say diving can be split into two types – springboard and platform.
The purpose of diving in swimming, they argue, is that It increases breathing capacity. “Varied types of swimming techniques,” argues another expert, involve a person moving their bodies forward and backward which helps in developing their breathing capacity as well.
It enlarges lung capacity to take in air, as much as possible.
Successful swims are built with endurance.” Recruitment – including swimming skills – has taken place in Gauteng at Tshwane’s Hillcrest pool, and the recruitment will proceed at the Pimville pool in Soweto this week, defenceWeb writes in its newsletter, quoting the SAN.
Other venues are Bloemanda swimming pool, Bloemfontein on May 1 and 2, Karen Muir swimming pool in Kimberley on 4 and 5 May, Potchefstroom public pool on 8 and 9 May, town swimming pool in Polokwane on 11 and 12 May, Van Riebeeck swimming pool in Mbombela on 15 and 16 May, Kings Park swimming pool in Durban on 18 and 19 May, Zwelitsha, Ruth Belonsky and Newton Park swimming pools in East London and Gqeberha from 22 to 26 May with the SAN Diving School in Simon’s Town the last stop on 29 and 30 May.
According to SAN, candidates must bring their own swimming costumes and PT dress (vest or T-shirt, shorts and running shoes) as they will undergo a selection process including physical training and water activities.
“In water, potential divers have to do a 300 metre freestyle swim, 50 metre snorkel swim, 50 metre swim wearing a diving mask full of water, 25 metre underwater swim and 50 metre weight belt swim. On land, candidates face a 2.4 km run in under 13 minutes, 40 push-ups, 50 sit-ups and seven pull-ups to qualify for selection.”
The next stop for those who make it is the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) human resources recruitment process with the successful candidates after this being part of next year’s military skills development (MSD) intake.
According to the India TV, swimming is one of the best forms of workout. It not only helps in fullbody exercise but it also has many health benefits.
Experts believe swimming is one of the best cross-training exercises which can be switched sometimes with a heavy workout in the gym or yoga.
It is not just a water sport for merriment but it holds many health benefits.
Swimming health benefits highlights include the capacity of water to hold 90 per cent of your body weight, the benefits of swimming in helping to reduce the chance of chronic illnesses and swimming as the best form of exercise which helps to build body stamina level.
Published on the 96th Edition
