Renang

Renang, often used in Indonesian and Malay to denote the activity of swimming, is the act of moving through water by coordinated movements of the limbs and body. In Indonesian, berenang is the verb "to swim," while renang refers to the sport or act itself; kolam renang means swimming pool. The term is used across Indonesia and in Malay-speaking communities.

Renang encompasses competitive swimming as well as recreational swimming. It includes four primary strokes in formal competition: gaya bebas (freestyle), gaya dada (breaststroke), gaya punggung (backstroke), and gaya kupu-kupu (butterfly). In non-competitive contexts, swimmers may use any style or swim laps for exercise. Common equipment includes swimwear, swim cap, and goggles; training may employ kickboards, pull buoys, fins, and lane ropes.

Education and governance: many countries require swimming lessons in schools or community programs to improve water safety. In Indonesia, renang is a standard part of physical education in schools and is promoted by national sports bodies. Safety considerations include supervision, familiarity with pool rules, and avoiding swimming in unsafe conditions.

Health and benefits: regular renang improves cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination; it is a low-impact exercise suitable for all ages. Open-water swimming adds navigation and safety challenges; practitioners are advised to swim with supervision and within designated areas.