The History of Aquatics: 1907-1920.

1907 Annette Kellerman an acclaimed distance swimmer in her native Australia and in Europe, comes to the United States, performing as an underwater ballerina" (a precursor to synchronized swimming) and high-diving into glass-enclosed tanks. Sports Illustrated writes that at a Boston amusement park, she is arrested for indecent exposure, after a woman complains to police about Kellerman's swimsuit costume: a tight woolen racing suit that leaves her legs, arms and neck bare. Kellerman amends the suit to cover her legs, arms and neck, thereby creating the one-piece swimsuit, but maintaining the form-fitting features. She thus becomes the world's first aquatic glamour girl and goes on to star in several silent movies, including Neptune's Daughter. ... In 1952, Esther Williams wears 28 different suits in 'Million Dollar Mermaid," a movie based on Kellerman's life. ... As a child, Kellerman's legs are so weak that she needs braces to walk; to increase her strength, she turns to swimming. The rest is history.

1907 Dr. Carl Akely invents gunite, a concrete that is sprayed on an inground pool or spa form, creating the walls and floor.

1908 FINA, the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur, swimming's worldwide governing body, is formed at the London Olympics.

1910 The Boy Scouts of America is founded. The BSA soon begins offering swimming and lifesaving merit badges. The Rescuer badge is awarded to boys who can swim 50 yards in clothing, fling a lifeline or lifebelt 20 feet, and demonstrate how to rescue and revive a person in ...