"Why We Swim" - Summary

Swimming is not an inherent ability in humans; it's a skill that must be acquired and honed. This is particularly crucial for those residing near bodies of water. Humans are not natural-born swimmers, but we have figured out ways to reclaim abilities that existed before that land-sea split in our evolution, hundreds of millions of years ago. The importance of swimming in survival situations is highlighted, and how humans have adapted to aquatic environments is discussed.

For instance, the book recounts the story of Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, an Icelandic fisherman who survived a six-hour swim in freezing waters after his boat capsized. His survival was attributed to his swimming skills and his body's adaptation to cold water.

Another example is the sea nomads of Southeast Asia, who have developed extraordinary underwater vision and can hold their breath for long periods, allowing them to dive deep for food. A study found that these adaptations were not genetic but learned and honed from a young age.

The book also discusses the use of swimming in warfare, from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the Japanese samurai, highlighting its importance as a survival skill.

These examples underscore the importance of swimming as a survival skill, demonstrating how it has been used throughout history and across cultures to adapt to and survive in aquatic environments.