Swimming and running are both endurance exercises that give your cardiovascular system a challenging workout. If burning calories is your goal, both modes can do the trick. But the total amount of calories burned depends on the intensity and duration of your workout sessions, and the efficiency of your movement.

Feeling tired after an intense workout makes sense, but lingering fatigue might leave you wondering about its cause. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that allows you to get a good cardiovascular workout without stressing your joints.

Swimming in the ocean at night might be on your to-do list and can be accomplished if you follow safety swimming guidelines. Not all beaches are open to nighttime swimming.

Many animals are born with the ability to swim, but humans must learn practice before being able to swim with ease. Some people never learn how to swim, which often causes them to fear water. Learning to swim is important for several reasons, and mastering this skill at a young age can benefit you throughout your life.

Like most land mammals, humans are naturally able to float and swim. While we are not able to approach our maximum land speeds, humans can achieve considerably high speeds in the water. With the help of training and equipment such as fins and bodysuits, we are now able to achieve higher speeds than ever before.

Swimming is a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise that is appropriate for most people. It uses muscles in your core, upper and lower body to move you through the water and raise your heart and respiration rate.

Competitive swimming can start as young as 4 years of age in many recreational leagues. It typically ends at age 18, when swimmers are eligible for masters programs and college teams.

Nose plugs most often are seen worn by synchronized swimmers. Synchronized swimmers do complicated twists and turns in the water, which could lead to uncomfortable water in the nose if they aren't constantly carefully.

Whether you are a fitness swimmer, an amateur triathlete, or an Olympic-caliber swimmer, swimming part of your workouts with a snorkel can benefit your stroke technique and body position.

Swimming can be a bit of an obstacle for people who are nearsighted. The water can muddle vision through your lenses, but an even greater concern is having the glasses come off your face while swimming.

Whether in the pool or far out at sea, knowing how to swim can save a life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,443 people unintentionally drowned in the U.S. in 2007. An additional 434 people died from boating-related drowning incidents.

Swimming is an excellent exercise for cardiovascular fitness and weight maintenance. It is also one of the best activities around for cooling off on hot summer days.