Who Invented Swimming Goggles?

Swim goggles are a critical component for any swimmer, whether recreational or competitive. They not only help you see in the water, they also protect your eyes from chemicals and any potential bacteria in the water. They haven't always been part of a swimmer's equipment, though.

History

Persian divers are the first known users of swim goggles. They used polished tortoise shells to protect their eyes. In the 1930s, Guy Gilpatrick used swim goggles to protect his eyes from saltwater. But small swim goggles didn't come into wide use until the 1960s. They were crude, sometimes painful instruments that were basic eye protection from the chemicals in the water. They were useless for competition because they fell off during dives and turns. By 1972, though, they had become a standard part of every swimmer's equipment.

Function

Driven by the increasing demand for swimmers' training, goggles were a breakthrough for competitive swimmers. With many spending hours in the water at a time, goggles protected their eyes from chemicals and bacteria in the pool. It isn't uncommon for swimmers to log two practices a day, swimming over 5,000 yards to train. Having something to protect your eyes is critical to being able to drive and read after lengthy chemical exposure.

Types

There are hundreds of types of swim goggles, but they fall into broad categories. Swedish goggles don't include gaskets around the eye. While cheaper, they're not recommended for any competitive swimming because the hard edge of the goggle can be too uncomfortable when adding the pressure of a dive or turn. Foam gasket styles are softer and gentler on the swimmer's face, but the foam can break down over time and fit can be more difficult to maintain as the foam wears. Silicone or hard rubber gasket goggles are a good choice for competitive or recreational swimmers. These goggles last longer than foam and are softened enough for longer wear, such as during a workout. Manufacturers such as Speedo, Tyr and Nike are also at work inventing new types of goggles for the next generation of swimmers.

Significance

The invention of swimming goggles has helped make the sport what it is today. Athletes are strong and better trained due to their ability to stay in the water for longer periods, thanks to the protection offered by swim goggles. Despite the other advancements in swimming--from speed suits to lane lines that minimize turbulence--goggles are the key to keeping athletes in the water to train harder and better.

Warning

Be careful of new innovations in swim goggles. Some goggles seem to increase ocular pressure, which can result in an injury to the eye. Be especially wary if you have children who swim regularly, because faulty goggles have caused damage to their eyes (see Resources). And some products, such as de-misting agents used in swim goggles, have been shown to be a potential cause of damage to the cornea.

Resources

• Goggle injuries