Swimming was not commonly practiced for leisure in medieval Europe, even though certain individuals could swim. Literature implies swimming was more of a survival and military skill than recreation. Notable historical figures, like Christine de Pizan and military theorist Vegetius, stressed its importance for soldiers. Yet, overall, swimming in medieval culture leaned towards practicality, and while some instances of leisure swimming exist, they were not widespread or celebrated like winter skating with ice.
In contrast to the classical elevation of swimming as a way to demonstrate or increase prowess, medieval narratives tend toward the utilitarian.
Christine de Pizan observes that tactical swimming can serve many purposes, such as escaping danger, taking shortcuts, or surprising an unsuspecting enemy.
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