South Africa excels in swimming above all other aquatic sports. Swimmers account for most of the Olympic medals and world records set by South Africans.

While swimming dominates the other aquatic sports in terms of international success, swimming is a required skill in all - even divers have to be able to swim back to the side. Many swimmers also compete in other various aquatic sports disciplines.

Synchronised Swimming, previously known at water carnivals as "fancy swimming" and now as artistic swimming; surf and still water lifesaving, triathlon, biathlon and biathle are forms of multisport that involve swimming' swimming, in swimming pools and open water; diving and water polo, are aquatic sports. Some are practised as recreation, while others are professional competitive sports.