As a lifeguard...

I'm a lifeguard and while I do believe modesty in dress is important, swimming while fully clothed can present a danger of drowning. While rash guards and boy shorts are fine, other types of material absorb water and can become really heavy and hard to move in in the water. At my pool, patrons aren't allowed to wear any type of shorts or shirt that are not actually made for use in the water as weaker swimmers may struggle under the extra weight and could possibly drown. As a life guard I'm required to wear a bright red "guard" suit and personally, I don't believe there's anything immodest about this, seeing as in order to be as fast as possible in saving a drowning victim, I need to be able to move through the water fast and keep myself up. Having jumped into the water fully clothed, I know for a fact it's a LOT harder, even for a very strong swimmer. If swim wear and real clothes were to be treated exactly the same, why is there even a market specific for swim wear? why for the past 100+ years have we been wearing different items to swim in than we wear for school, work, and non water activities? Swimming is different because (wow, this is shocking) of the water!! Swim wear is created so that there is less drag in an environment much denser than the one we're used to moving in. As a competitive swimmer, being streamline is key as well. While I see my one-piece as a uniform for my job and sport, I do believe options should be available to recreational swimmers different than that. When swimming for fun, the convenience of a 2 piece is wonderful, because, honestly, how much fun is it when you're about to wet your pants and you're wearing a one piece? I do not believe bikinis show any sort of modesty, but a tankini or one piece that covers the chest, bottom, and tummy seems to me modest, comfortable, and safe. I also believe that the way you present yourself while wearing the suit to play a HUGE part. When at team practice for swimming, I know that none of us are examining or judging each other's bodies, as we know we are there to swim fast and to be able to, we have to be streamline. When at the pool, I believe that if one wears their swimsuit as something to wear in the water, not as something to appear attractive and alluring in, an entirely different vibe is given off. Also, why is no one commenting on men's swim wear? Why are we to be responsible, but in all honesty, ALL men's swim wear is like wearing their underwear yet no one sees it that way.