Editing Swimming (section)

==Clothing and equipment==

===Swimsuits===
{{multiple image|
| width1            = 127
| image1            = boardshorts.jpg
| caption1          = [[Boardshorts]], a type of men's casual [[swimwear]]|
| width2            = 160
| image2            = IDHM Wasserspringen 2018-02-18 3m mixed Vorkampf Sprung 3 18.jpg
| caption2          = A man and woman in [[competitive swimwear]] during a [[synchronised swimming]] event
}}

Standard everyday clothing is usually impractical for swimming and is unsafe under some circumstances. Most cultures today expect swimmers to wear [[swimsuits]].

Men's swimsuits commonly resemble [[shorts]], or [[briefs]]. Men's casual swimsuits (for example, [[boardshorts]]) are rarely skintight, unlike [[competitive swimwear]], like jammers or diveskins. In most cases, boys and men swim with their upper body exposed, except in countries where custom or law prohibits it in a public setting, or for practical reasons such as sun protection.

Modern women's swimsuits are generally skintight, covering the [[pubic region]] and the [[breasts]] (See [[bikini]]). Women's [[swimwear]] may also cover the [[midriff]] as well. Women's swimwear is often a fashion statement, and whether it is [[modesty|modest]] or not is a subject of debate by many groups, religious and secular.

[[File:Dance With Waves.jpg|thumb|298x298px|Different cultures have different standards for swimsuits. In Muslim communities, women may choose to wear [[Hijab]] modified swimsuits, sometimes called [[burkini]].]]

[[Competitive swimwear]] is built so that the wearer can swim faster and more efficiently. Modern competitive swimwear is skintight and lightweight. There are many kinds of competitive swimwear for each [[gender]]. It is used in aquatic competitions, such as water polo, swim racing, diving, and [[Rowing (sport)|rowing]].

[[Wetsuits]] provide both thermal insulation and flotation. Many swimmers lack buoyancy in the leg. The wetsuit provides additional volume at a lower density and therefore improves buoyancy and trim while swimming. It provides insulation between the skin and water which reduces heat loss. The wetsuit is the usual choice for those who swim in cold water for long periods of time, as it reduces susceptibility to [[hypothermia]].

Some people also choose to wear no clothing while swimming. In some European countries public pools allow clothes-free swimming and many countries have beaches where one can swim naked. It is legal to swim naked in the sea at all UK beaches. It was common for males to swim naked in a public setting up to the early 20th century. Today, swimming naked can be a rebellious activity or merely a casual one.

===Accessories===
* [[Earplug]]s can prevent water from getting in the ears.
* [[Noseclip]]s can prevent water from getting in the nose. However, using noseclips in competitive swimming can cause disadvantage, so many competitive swimmers choose not to use one. For this reason, noseclips are primarily used for synchronized swimming and recreational swimming.
* [[Goggles]] protect the eyes from chlorinated water, and improve underwater visibility. Tinted goggles protect the eyes from sunlight that reflects from the bottom of the pool.
* [[Swim cap]]s keep the body streamlined and protect the hair from chlorinated water, though they are not entirely watertight.
* [[Kickboard]]s are used to keep the upper body afloat while exercising the lower body.
* [[Pull buoy]]s are used to keep the lower body afloat while exercising the upper body.
* [[Swimfin]]s are used in training to elongate the kick and improve technique and speed. Fins also build upper calf muscles. Fins provide a significantly greater and more efficient conversion of muscle power to thrust than available from the feet, and allow the powerful leg muscles to be used effectively for propulsion through water. The value of fins as an active aid in the teaching, learning and practice of swimming has long been recognised. In the US, as early as 1947, they were used experimentally to build the confidence of reluctant beginners in swimming,<ref>Clarence B. Douglas: "Motivating Swimming Beginners with Swim Fins", ''Journal of Physical Education'', Vol. XLIV No. 4 (March/April 1947), pp. 89, 96-97.</ref> while a 1950 [[YMCA]] lifesaving and water safety manual reminded swimming instructors how "flippers can be used to great advantage for treading water, surface diving, towing, underwater searching and supporting a tired swimmer".<ref>Charles E. Silvia: ''Manual of Life Saving and Water Safety Instruction'', New York, NY: Association Press, 1950, p. 67</ref> In 1967, research was conducted on fin use in teaching the crawl stroke.<ref>Bernard Gutin and Jeffrey Lichter: "Use of fins to teach the crawl kick to beginners and intermediate swimmers", ''Swimming Technique'' Vol. 4 No. 2, July 1967, pp. 28-30.</ref> During the 1970s, the so-called "flipper-float" method came into vogue in Europe with the aim of helping beginners learn to swim faster and more safely.<ref>Gerhard Hetz: ''Schwimmen lernen - schnell + sicher'', Munich, Berne, Vienna: blv Verlagsgesellschaft, 1974.</ref>
* [[Hand paddle]]s are used to increase resistance during arm movements, with the goal of improving technique and power.
* [[Hand paddle#Types of paddles|Finger paddles]] have a similar effect to hand paddles, but create less resistance due to their smaller size. They also help with improving a swimmer's 'catch' in the water.
* [[Snorkel (swimming)|Snorkels]] are used to help improve and maintain a good head position in the water. They may also be used by some during [[physical therapy]].
* [[Pool noodle]]s are used to keep the user afloat during the time in the water.
* [[Pool fence|Safety fencing]] and equipment is mandatory at public pools and a zoning requirement at most residential pools in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swimmingpool.com/safety-equipment |title=Pool safety equipment overview |publisher=Swimmingpool.com |access-date=2014-04-13 |archive-date=2011-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716172740/http://www.swimmingpool.com/safety-equipment |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Swimming parachutes are used in competitive training, adding an element of resistance in the water to help athletes to increase power in the stroke's central movements.
* [[Inflatable armbands]] are swimming aids designed to provide buoyancy and help the wearer to float.