26.Swimming, water, water transportation

Q1 What do you think of people who waste water?

Ans- In my opinion, people who waste water fall into two categories: those who are unaware of the environmental consequences of their actions and those who are fully aware of the impact but consciously decide not to prioritize conservation. So, some people just don't realize that wasting water is detrimental to the environment, as it contributes to water scarcity and negatively impacts ecosystems. And they don't understand that it's important to conserve water for future generations and the sustainability of our planet. Those who choose not to prioritize conservation do so because they are selfish. So they pretend not to notice that in many parts of the world, people struggle to access clean water for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture. They don't pay attention to the fact that by wasting water they are depriving others of a basic necessity for survival. Plus, they are irresponsible, so they don't recognize the fact that their actions lead to higher water bills for everyone, strain water infrastructure, and require investments in water treatment and distribution systems.

Q2 What are the characteristics of goods transported by water?

Ans- First of all, water transport is often preferred for bulk commodities such as grains, coal, ore, and petroleum products due to the cost-effectiveness of transporting large volumes at once. Secondly, water transport plays a crucial role in containerized trade, with goods packed in standardized shipping containers because containers allow for efficient handling, stacking, and secure transportation of various goods. Containerized goods are diverse and include consumer products, machinery, electronics, clothing, and more. Another type of goods often transported by water is perishable goods like fresh produce, seafood, and flowers as water transport allows for extended shelf life compared to other modes of transportation. There are those specialized refrigerated or 'reefer' vessels that maintain controlled temperature and humidity conditions to preserve the quality and freshness of these goods. Water transport is also preferred for transporting heavy and oversized cargo that may not be feasible for other modes of transportation. This includes large machinery, vehicles, construction equipment, and components of infrastructure projects. Finally, water transport is involved in the shipment of hazardous materials, including chemicals, gases, and oils because ships designed for hazardous cargo are equipped with specialized containment systems and safety protocols to prevent leaks, spills, and accidents during transportation.

Q3 What are the pluses and minuses of transporting goods on water?

Q4 Are rivers and lakes good for transport?

Ans- Oh, the main advantages of water transport, to my mind, are its capacity of conveying bulky and heavy cargoes and its low-running costs which make it the cheapest means of transport over long distances. Two more benefits I'd like to mention are the fact that this type of transport has low chances of disruption in the traffic route and the fact that it can be adjusted to individual requirements. As far as the disadvantages of transporting goods on water are concerned, it's unsuitable for short distance journeys as it's costly and time-consuming. I mean it's much more slow than transporting goods by plane. Oh, and also its unsuitable for perishable goods.

Q5 Why do people like to live near water?

Ans- In my opinion, the main reason is that waterfront areas, whether they are along the coast, lakes, rivers, or any other water bodies, tend to provide stunning and picturesque views. The combination of water, sky, and often surrounding natural landscapes creates a visually captivating environment. For example, people have an opportunity to witness the captivating sunsets and sunrises. When the sun starts to dip below the horizon, the whole sky turns into a crazy mix of fiery reds, oranges, and pinks. Then, in the early mornings, when the sun peeks over the horizon, the whole coastline gets this golden glow, making it feel like you're in a postcard. Plus, some people are sensitive to weather conditions and feel uncomfortable or distressed when it's extremely hot, so they like living near the water because water bodies can have a moderating effect on the climate of nearby areas. For example, coastal regions tend to experience milder temperatures due to the cooling effect of the ocean. Similarly, lakes and rivers can influence local temperatures, which makes the surrounding areas more pleasant to live in.

Q6 What water sports are popular in your country?

Q7 Why do people like water sports?

Ans- Oh, there are quite a few, actually. Swimming is definitely the most popular, in my opinion. People like it because it's a fun way to stay active, works all the muscles at once, and improves endurance. Plus, it's a life-saving skill and a great way to burn calories. The second favorite water sport in my country would be surfing, including windsurfing and kitesurfing. These sports are popular because they're relatively easy to learn, lots of fun, and they help improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. And lastly, I'd say wakeboarding is another favorite. It's exciting and appeals to people because it boosts mental focus, improves reaction time, and develops hand-eye coordination. Also, it's a great way to refresh your mind and improve your swimming skills at the same time.

Q8 Is being able to swim important?

Q9 Do you think it's good to teach swimming in schools?

Ans- No doubt it is. It is both an important life skill and a great recreational activity. What is more, swimming is by far the most effective exercise which helps people keep fit and maintain a healthy weight. This activity has a low impact on joints, builds all groups of muscles simultaneously and improves endurance, so it is really great for people's health. In the most dangerous situations an ability to swim can help people save somebody's life. So, to my mind, it's vital for people to have this skill.