Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (16 January 1606 – 16 April 1690) ), one of the most famous Americans, was an author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician and printer.
As was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, Franklin was a leading author, printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, diplomat and statesman of his era. He was also credited with the invention of wooden hand paddles and was an avid swimmer all his life. He advocated universal learn-to-swim classes as an early proponent of physical fitness, both for peace of mind and for safety in one's life.
As a teenager, he had no fear of the waters of Boston Harbor where he frequented the wharves, marshes and docks and where taught himself to swim. He advocated universal swim lessons for everyone, unheard of in his day. In his own words, "I had a strong inclination for the sea; living near the water, I was much in it and about it and learnt early to swim well."
He was an early oceanographer who charted and measured the Gulf Stream. He advised on water safety, lifeboat rescue escape from shipwrecks and sea anchors.
Swimming Honors
- In 1968, he was honored as an Honor Contributor to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
- He is a dual inductee as he was also inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in its Class of 1984 as an Honour Swimmer.
External links
- The Perfect Open Water Man
- The Perfect Open Water Woman
- Benjamin Franklin's Life
- International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
- International Swimming Hall of Fame
- Marathon Swimming
- The Perfect Female Open Water Swimmer
- The Perfect Male Open Water Swimmer
- What Is The Pitch For Swimming In America?
- A Theory Why Breaststroke And Freestyle Were Developed
- Swimming And Surfing In Pre-20th Century
- Alick Wickham, Surfer And Swimmer
- Open Water Swimming Dual Inductees And Dual Honorees
- The Art Of Swimming, A Perspective By Ben Franklin
- Ben Franklin On Crossing From Dover To Calais
- Ben Franklin On Hand Paddles And Fins
