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Swimmers banned from Thames
Actor David Walliams swam the length of the Thams River for charity and lived to tell about it.
Put away your swimming costumes (translation: swimsuits) and goggles.
The Thames is officially closed to swimmers by the Port of London Authority.
Whose idea of a good time involves swimming in the polluted, not to mention freezing waters of the Thames (I know, I know, it’s not as polluted as it used to be …)? Well, there are “wild swimmers” who do enjoy fighting the strong currents and whirlpools of the Thames. Now they’ll need a permit for the pleasure.
I think I’ll stick to the swimming pool.
Freestyle or crawl?
Our kids have started swimming this week – the weather is glorious and I’m getting that giddy “school is almost out for the summer” feeling. There’s nothing quite like it!
Did you know that the freestyle stroke and the front crawl is the same stroke despite its different names? Probably not surprising that the Americans had to incorporate the word “free” in their version … I’m still trying to track down a history behind the two names …
Which do you use?
When your swimsuit is a costume …
I have quite a few favorite British words and expressions. Quite. A. Few. But one of my all-time favorites is “swimming costume.”
Particularly when my husband (or any man) speaks of wearing their swimming costume.
Because although they might be thinking of this:
I’m thinking this:
As a side note to my British readers: In the US, costumes are only used when preceded by the word “Halloween.” Swimming costumes are called swimsuits or bathing suits or The Worst Torture Known to Womankind, depending on who you speak to. But never “costume,” unless you are trying to be funny (in which case, just strut down the beach wearing Borat’s mankini and call it a day).
And so, as this week comes to a close and the glorious weekend begins, throw on your swimsuit (or costume) and enjoy the last weekend of August. Dive in …. I’ll see you back here on Monday!
"Diving Board" by Jena Ardell
BRITRISH.COM 