Swimming is the self -propulsion of a person through fresh or salt water , usually for recreation , sport , exercise, or survival. Locomotion is achieved through coordinated movement of the limbs, the body, or both. Humans can hold their breath underwater and undertake rudimentary locomotive swimming within weeks of birth , as an evolutionary response.
Swimming is consistently among top public recreational activities, and in some countries , swimming lessons are a compulsory part of the educationalcurriculum. As a formalized sport , swimming features in a range of local, national, and international competitions, including every modern Summer Olympics.