What Are the Costs of Swimming?
Swim GearFirst, in 99.99% of the cases, you have to wear something. Swimwear, swimsuits, swim suits, swim trunks, whatever you call it, you have to have it, and that can cost money.
You probably need goggles to protect your eyes and to help you see where you are going. That is more money.
Maybe a swim cap? Some pools require them, some swimmers need them to keep hair out of their faces, and some like them for extra warmth or other personal reasons. Yes, more money.
What about after you get out of the pool? A towel? Almost everyone already has a towel, or the place you swim provides them. They still cost money (some of the gyms where I live have stopped providing more than one towel per person to reduce costs).
Then there is training gear like flippers, pull buoys, paddles, kick boards, snorkels, etc. Some pools provide some of those items for swimmers, some you must provide your own. Still more costs to someone.
Swimming Pools
The costs to operate a pool can be enormous. Water, chemicals, pumps, heaters, electricity/gas, guards, maintenance staff, insurance, cleaning staff, construction, taxes, and a reserve fund for equipment repair are some of those costs. Who pays for all of that (and more)? The swimmer.
Swim Lessons
Will you still be a part of a swim lesson program? You or the swimmer in your family had to learn how to swim somehow, and for many that was an organized swim lesson from the Red Cross, the YMCA, SwimAmerica, or some other program at your local pool. That costs money!
Swim Teams and Swim Meets
Not everyone that swims is part of a team or goes to swim meets, but many of you do. What does that cost? For a team, there are coaches, gear, pool time, and insurance - and that is just the beginning of the list. Are you going to a swim meet? Consider the costs of meet fees, food, transportation, lodging, and even a meet program.
Will You Cutback?
Are you going to cutback on your swimming habits? How will you save money? Make do with the swim gear you have? Shop around for a less expensive swimming pool for workouts, or check on off-peak pricing? Skip buying that new super-fast swimsuit? Decrease the number of swim meets you attend?Just like everything else happening in our world, cutting back on spending will save your money. It can also result in decreased income for the businesses that would have received your money, and that can lead to more problems. You want to save money, they want to stay in business!
Whatever you do - if you do anything - remember that staying healthy is cheaper than getting sick. Maintaining your fitness routine to keep your good health should cost less than extra visits to the doctor.
Swim On!
