Occupational Swimming

There are, throughout the world, people whose jobs fit the description: occupational swimming. Abalone divers and pearl divers are two examples of occupations where the individual needs to swim for his living. Lifeguards and coastguard employees are two others. A marine biologist may also have to consider him or her self as an occupational swimmer. On the less benign side of swimming occupations are military men and women who become Navy Seals or members of other special underwater or above water units.

Throughout history, individuals have made their livelihood from the sea. In some instances, this has involved swimming. The pearl divers are a classic example of how swimming becomes an integral part of the job. The early pirates of ship wrecked boats, had to swim to retrieve the booty of shipwrecks nearby. Swimming was not an occupation for just anyone. In fact, many individuals who made their living from the sea could not swim. Sailors and fishermen, for example, often could not swim a stroke.

Recreational swimming is more a modern invention. Since people began to swim on beaches and in pools, the need arose for someone to protect and save them when necessary. The result, over time, was a lifeguard. Initially, however, the lifelines helped save and protect people. Some beaches also assigned police officers. Eventually both the YMCA (1912) and the Red Cross (1914) created volunteer lifesavers.

Since then, the system has expanded incorporating municipal, public and private beaches. The indoor pools in Los Angeles had lifeguards in 1918. The outdoor beaches in California hired lifeguards in the 1930s. After World War I saw a boom in recreational beach activities, the life guard became a standard fixture on beaches and in songs and movies.

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One of the most famous occupational swimmers of them has a movie tie. Esther Williams, a championship swimmer, denied the right to swim at the Olympics because of the war, parlayed her swimming talent into motion pictures. Her male counterpart, Johnny Weissmuller did much the same thing. He, however, did not continually act in water musicals.

More recently, another form of occupational swimming is becoming popular. Professional swimmers form alliances with various swim equipment and gear manufacturers. They are paid by the company to appear in special meets and to sport and illustrate the gear. Michael Phelps has an agreement with Speedo. This is identical to what has already happened in basketball, baseball and other organized professional sports.

To a certain extent, many amateur swimmers are involved in occupational swimming. USA Swimming and other athletic organizations arrange for sponsors and sponsorships for the athletes so they do not have to work. Universities and colleges have sports scholarships. This is a fine monetary line between professional and amateur occupational swimming.