Observed annually on June 24th, Swim a Lap Day is a holiday that encourages everyone to visit their local pool and swim at least one lap. Okay, we are fooling no one. No one is going to enter the pool and just swim one lap. It’s simply not going to happen. But that’s beside the point. The purpose of this holiday is to remind us that swimming is fun and an excellent exercise for anyone willing to try it. Humans have been swimming since the Stone Age, and swimming as a sport dates back thousands of years. This holiday is a good time to remember that.

Interesting Facts About Swimming

We’ve come across some interesting facts about swimmers and swimming, so we decided to sift through them and list the most intriguing ones below.

• The first swimming goggles were made from tortoise shells.
• Swimming became an Olympic event in 1896.
• Benjamin Franklin invented swim fins.
• Competitive swimmers can swim up to 12 miles a day.
• Swimmers burn approximately 40% more calories than cyclists for the same amount of time.
• Swimming can reduce stress and help prevent depression.
• The first bikini was invented in 1946 in France.

Observing Swim a Lap Day

It goes without saying that swimming is an excellent way to exercise during the summer months. It engages all the body’s major muscle groups and provides a workout for the heart and lungs as well. Swimming also burns a significant number of calories. All these are great reasons to celebrate Swim a Lap Day by going to your local pool and swimming a few laps. Before you do, however, make sure to leave the hashtag #SwimALapDay on your social media accounts. Now grab your swim goggles, your swimsuit, and your towel, and head to the pool.