The first lifesaving group "Chinkiang Association for the Saving of Life" was established in China in 1708. Also, in Upsala Sweden a swimming club was established in 1796 which still exists today.
F.Y.I. - In 1716 Benjamin Franklin is credited with the invention of the swimming fins, he was just 10 years old. In 1739 Guts Muts (also spelled Guts Muth) from Schnepfenthal, Germany wrote "Gymnastik fur die Jugend" (Exercise for the youth) which included a substantial amount of information about swimming. Kanonikus Oronzio de Bernardi of Italy wrote a two (2) volume book about swimming, which included floating practice for swimming studies. However, Guts Muts wrote another book titled "Kleines Lehrbuch der schwimmkunst zum Selbstunterricht" (Small study book of the art of swimming for self study). This book recommended the use of a "fishing rod" device to aid in the learning of swimming. Guts Muts' books describe a three step approach to learn swimming that is still used today; (1) get the student used to the water, (2) practice swimming movements out of the water, & (3) practice swimming movements in the water. He believed that swimming is a essential part of every education.
In 1767 or 1768 (there is a misunderstanding about the accuracy of the dates) lifesaving groups were established in Amsterdam by the Dutch, 1772 in Copenhagen, and in 1774 by Great Britain. However, in 1768 a humane society was established in the United States.
Stay tuned for part 5.
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