Swimming is the activity of moving through water, whether for recreation, fitness, or competition. It can take place in controlled pool settings or in natural waters such as lakes and the sea, where conditions like currents, visibility, and temperature differ. Common strokes-including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly-use distinct arm and leg movements, while floating and treading water help swimmers stay at the surface. These different forms connect swimming as both a learned physical skill and a way to travel through water.