Para Swimming
Explore Activity Types
After exploring this page below, and discovering all about the activity, and deciding that you wish to learn more, progress as a Trailblazor by exploring the Activity types to decide which one interests you.
On Activity Type Pages, you will have the opportunity to attempt Simply Grow Missions to develop your skills, and decide if you wish to challenge yourself with Simply Inspire Missions to progress as an Activity Ambassador.
Simply Snapfacts
Why are para swimmers grouped into classifications?
Classification systems create fair racing between athletes with similar impairments.
Para Swimming
0
Why is freestyle usually the fastest swimming stroke?
Alternating arm action and continuous kicking create powerful forward speed.
Freestyle Swimming
0
Why are relay takeovers practised repeatedly?
Perfectly timed starts can gain important advantages without causing false starts.
Swimming Relay
0
Why do Olympic swimmers wear tight racing suits?
Streamlined suits reduce drag and improve efficiency through the water.
Swimming
0
Why do swimmers push explosively off pool walls during turns?
Strong turns can save valuable seconds during races.
Pool Swimming
0
Competitive Formats
Rugby is a diverse and inclusive sport that, the aim is to advance the ball forward, to score a try. Whether you enjoy fast-paced running games, physical challenges, strategic teamwork or adaptive formats, there is a version of rugby to suit different interests, abilities and goals. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing environment, playing time and, in many cases, its own governing body or competition structure. While every version is unique, all share rugby’s core values of respect, teamwork, confidence and belonging.
Non-Contact Rugby
Non-contact rugby includes formats where tackling is replaced by touches, tags or other methods of stopping play, making the game more accessible while still retaining many of rugby’s core skills and principles. It focuses on passing, movement, teamwork, decision-making and spatial awareness, often with fewer stoppages and a faster flow of play. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing time, pace and governing body. Non-contact rugby can also be adapted to support players of different ages, abilities and needs, and always searching for new ways that more people can enjoy and participate in the game.
- Touch Rugby
- Tag Rugby
- T1 Rugby
Contact Rugby
Contact rugby includes formats where touches or tags are replaced with unique elements like scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs. These elements of the game are introduced after game is stopped by penalty or tackling and physical contact that form part of the game. Games can differ significantly in rules, number of players, playing time, pace, playing environment and governing bodies. Many formats can too feature unique elements such as kicking contests and set pieces, while adaptive formats may modify or replace some of these aspects and can be either contact or non-contact depending on the version being played. Each offers its own challenges, requiring skill, teamwork, determination and resilience.
- Rugby Union
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Rugby League
- Beach Rugby
- Rugby Sevens
Inclusive Rugby
Rugby has continued to develop new formats to engage all individuals, irrespective of ability, experience or circumstances to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of the game. Every individual is encouraged to contribute, support others and recognise the unique strengths that each person brings to the team. By working together, players learn how different skills, perspectives and abilities can unite to achieve a common goal. The games can take on one or a combination of rugby disciplines, based on participants and programme. Whether participating recreationally or competitively, inclusive rugby demonstrates that success is defined by resilience, character, commitment and the willingness to work alongside others. It reflects the spirit of rugby at its best, where everyone has a role to play, every contribution is valued and teams become stronger through collaboration, trust and mutual respect.
- Mixed ability Rugby
- Visually Impaired Rugby
- Walking Rugby
Competitive Pathways
Competitive pathways provide a general guide to some of the adventures and opportunities that may be available as you grow, develop and gain experience. They are designed to show what is possible, not define your pathway.
We all have different goals, and those goals can change over time. You may want to have fun, learn new skills, make friends, stay active, compete, or simply try something new. Different activity formats, countries and governing bodies may offer different pathways and experiences.
Explore the possibilities, discover what you enjoy, and choose the pathway that best supports your own Simply Story.
July 5
Early Years Foundation
Discover movement, play, coordination and basic skills through fun, age-appropriate activities.
February 2
Mini's
Learn the fundamentals, develop confidence and begin playing in simple games and team environments.
January 31
Juniors
Build skills, understanding and experience through regular training, competition and personal development.
January 31
Regional
Represent a wider area, competing against stronger opposition and demonstrating advanced ability and commitment.
January 31
National
Compete or represent at a national level, performing among the highest standard of players in the country.
January 31
Olympics / ParaOlympics
Compete on the world stage, representing your country at elite international competitions, Olympic or Paralympic events.
Search for a Local Club
Simply FACT
Simply History
1871
Rugby Union
Rugby Union was formally organised in 1871 when the Rugby Football Union was founded in England to standardise the rules.
1883
Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens was created in Melrose, Scotland, in 1883 by Ned Haig and David Sanderson as a fundraising tournament.
1895
Rugby League
Rugby League was created in 1895 when northern English clubs split from Rugby Union over payments for players who missed work.
1960
Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby developed strongly in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s as a non-contact rugby-style sport.
1977
Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby was originally called Murderball when it was created in Canada in 1977 by athletes with quadriplegia.
2000's
Tag Rugby
Tag Rugby became widely used in schools in the late 20th century as a non-contact way to teach passing, movement and teamwork.
2023
T1 Rugby
T1 Rugby was launched by World Rugby in 2023 as a new non-contact version of rugby designed to make the sport faster, safer, and more accessible for players of all ages and abilities.
Simply Scorecards
Try
Swimming Relay
Freestyle Swimming
Lifesaving
Open Water Swimming
Para Swimming
Pool Swimming
Swimming
Conversion
Swimming Relay
Freestyle Swimming
Lifesaving
Open Water Swimming
Para Swimming
Pool Swimming
Swimming
Drop Kick
Swimming Relay
Freestyle Swimming
Lifesaving
Open Water Swimming
Para Swimming
Pool Swimming
Swimming
Penalty
Swimming Relay
Freestyle Swimming
Lifesaving
Open Water Swimming
Para Swimming
Pool Swimming
Swimming
Simply Comparisons
Starting Age
Swimming Relay
6+ Years
Freestyle Swimming
4+ Years
Lifesaving
8+ Years
Open Water Swimming
8+ Years
Para Swimming
4+ Years
Pool Swimming
4+ Years
Swimming
4+ Years
Players
Swimming Relay
1
Freestyle Swimming
1
Lifesaving
1 or team
Open Water Swimming
1
Para Swimming
1
Pool Swimming
1
Swimming
1
Length of Play
Swimming Relay
Seconds to several hours depending on distance
Freestyle Swimming
Seconds to hours depending on event or distance
Lifesaving
15–30 minutes per heat; session varies
Open Water Swimming
Seconds to hours depending on event or distance
Para Swimming
Seconds to hours depending on event or distance
Pool Swimming
Seconds to hours depending on event or distance
Swimming
Seconds to hours depending on event or distance
What is it all about?
Swimming Relay
Swimming Relay is a team aquatics race where swimmers take turns racing a set distance.
Freestyle Swimming
Swimmers usually use front crawl, focusing on breathing, rhythm and speed through the water.
Lifesaving
Athletes practise rescue-based swimming, board and beach events that build safety skills.
Open Water Swimming
Swimmers race or explore outdoors in lakes, rivers or seas, building endurance and safety awareness.
Para Swimming
Adapted swimming events where disabled athletes compete using different strokes and classifications.
Pool Swimming
Swimmers train or race in pools, practising strokes, breathing and speed.
Swimming
Swimmers use frog-like kicks and sweeping arms, focusing on timing and glide.
Olympic Status
Swimming Relay
Summer Olympics, 1896
Freestyle Swimming
Summer Olympics, 1896
Lifesaving
Non-Olympic
Open Water Swimming
Summer Olympics, 2008
Para Swimming
Paralympics, 1960
Pool Swimming
Summer Olympics, 1896
Swimming
Summer Olympics, 1896
Player Positions
Swimming Relay
Swimmer, Relay Swimmer, Lead-Off Swimmer, Anchor Swimmer, Coach, Official
Freestyle Swimming
Swimmer, Coach, Official
Lifesaving
Swimmer, Lifesaver, Rescuer, Coach, Official
Open Water Swimming
Swimmer, Coach, Official
Para Swimming
Swimmer, Coach, Official
Pool Swimming
Swimmer, Coach, Official
Swimming
Swimmer, Coach, Official
Simply Try
Let the Journey Begin
The Discovery Missions are designed to introduce the sport, in a fun and inclusive way.
- Read the Discovery Mission and learn what you’ll be doing.
- Discover what you’ll learn and the skills you’ll develop.
- Complete the Mission and have fun!
- If you wish to, Record and reflect on your experience by writing in your Personal Journal.
- Earn an Adventurer Badge for each completed Discovery Mission.
- Unlock your Adventurer Certificate when you have successfully completed 3 of your chosen Discovery Missions.
Browse Equipment
Browse Pre-Loved
Pre-loved shopping is a smart and sustainable way to find quality items at great value. From sports equipment and books to games, hobbies and everyday essentials, many pre-loved items have been carefully looked after and are ready for their next adventure. Browse trusted brands, discover hidden gems and find products that have already stood the test of time.
Browse New
Spending money is an important decision, so it’s worth exploring your options before you buy. Browse a variety of stores to compare products, prices and services, helping you find the right item at the right value. Whether you’re looking for sports equipment, books, games or hobby supplies, take the time to shop around and make an informed choice.
Simply Tip: Create a wishlist for birthdays, save or earn pocket money by doing chores.
Test your friends & family's knowledge by flipping Simply Snapfacts
Inspire-Me Galleries
Challenge-Me Galleries
|
When was T20 Cricket introduced?
T20 Cricket was introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2003 to create a shorter professional format.
T20 Cricket
0
Where does lacrosse originate?
Lacrosse originates from Indigenous peoples of North America, where stick-and-ball games were played for centuries before modern rules.
Wheelchair Lacrosse
0