Swimming strengthens the body while the water buoys it up and protects against exercise-related injury, making it a popular and frequently recommended therapy for people recovering from an injury, operation or chronic illness.
The benefits of this are certainly likely to outweigh the potential health dangers associated with public pools.
But it’s not silly to be concerned about the risks, even if they are low – especially if you’re in a physically vulnerable state.
Read health24
Andre Hartman struggles to walk. But every day he dreams of going back to the ocean.
For decades, he made an impressive career out of freediving with great white sharks. The South African daredevil survived numerous encounters with these ocean predators. And when he needed to get closer to the animals, taking the cage out of cage diving was a risk the pioneering diver was willing to take.
But a debilitating stroke three years ago tragically left the ex-fisherman unable to get close to the sharks he came to love. Today, the closest he can get is through the tours of a local shark diving firm, Supreme Sharks, where he provides his expert knowledge for eager tourists.
“It’s been 11 years since I last swam with a shark, and I’ve love to get back into it again at a later stage,” Hartman says. “I’m not ready yet — but I’m sure once I can swim properly, I’ll be there again.”
See CNN
A 13-year old Boston Terrier is recovering after falling off a 15th floor balcony, straight into a hot tub.
The dog’s owner, Bill McCourt, was in tears when he recalled the accident: “You just can’t imagine a dog going through that kind of trauma”.
See 11alive.com
We didn’t get snow like in 2010, but at least it is not storming right now ! :-)
World 100m freestyle champion Cate Campbell has been named Australia’s Swimmer of the Year after winning four golds at the Pan Pacific Championships and three at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
The 22-year-old, who also won the award last year, holds the fastest time in the world this year for the 100m freestyle (52.62 seconds) and joint fastest time for the 50m freestyle (23.96).
See ABC News (with video)
Amy Van Dyken, the six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer who became paralyzed when she severed her spinal cord in an ATV crash this summer, says she is determined to walk again.
“There is a possibility that that milestone of me walking again may happen,†Van Dyken told ABC’s Robin Roberts in an interview for the ABC News special, “The Year: 2014,†which airs on Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. ET. Van Dyken will be featured in a segment about heroes and people who inspire and help others.
“Will I do it under my own power? Probably, because I’m hoping it’s going to be with braces, but will I do it without braces? I don’t know, but just that will be a milestone in and of itself, so let’s do it,†she added.
See ABC News
Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim has renewed calls for the introduction of mandatory swimming lessons in all Victorian schools.
“A lot of schools in the state are on the front foot with water safety and are proactive. I think (mandatory lessons) are something we should definitely consider,†Mr Klim said.
“I don’t think you can put a cost on a child’s life. Most parents are happy to pay for that swimming lesson,†he said.
A Life Saving Victoria report revealed more than 39,000 year six students were unable to swim 50m in 2012.
And the organisation’s drowning report for the 2013-14 financial year found there were 47 drowning deaths in the state.
Read Herald Sun
http://youtu.be/U61CxwnURmI
“Powerless” is the last word expected to be used in connection with 18-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps.
A Baltimore judge accused Phelps of being “powerless over alcohol,” even while ordering Phelps to 18 months supervised probation for committing a driving under the influence offense on Sept. 30, USA TODAY Sports reported.
Phelps was ordered to stay away from alcohol during his probation.
Santa took the plunge in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in the US to deliver presents to all the good mermaids and mermen on Saturday.
Santa made rounds about five miles off Islamorada to some very fortunate underwater critters on the Davis Reef. Dive shop operator Spencer Slate filled St. Nick’s shoes this year, who brought some holiday cheer to the schools of fish that were graced by his red suit and flowing white beard. He even brought a Christmas tree with him!
See CCTV
