Benjamin Franklin Swims
Most people are familiar with Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) as an early American writer, scientist, philosopher, diplomat, polymath, statesman, Founding Father, signatory to the Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, US Bill of Rights and all-round, self-taught brainiac.
What is less well known about Franklin is that he also taught himself to swim and was a competent swim coach and teacher. He also advised on water safety, lifeboat rescue and the benefits of universal learn-to swim classes.
He was one of the United States’ first "ornamental swimmers" where he was once described as "performing…many feats of activity, both upon and under water, that surprised and pleased those to whom they were novelties”.
He experimented using a kite to pull himself along in the water as well as hand paddles. He was also one of the first people to use flippers.
Such was his pioneering pre-eminence in swimming, he was awarded honorary induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968 and International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 1984.
Above Image: Benjamin Franklin on the US $100 note – the locals call it a ‘Benjamin’
By Ria Bleathman, (Reproduced from the Brighton Iceberger Newsletter 29 Sept 2022)
“The exercise of swimming is one of the most healthy and agreeable in the world.” - Benjamin Franklin