David František Wagner on the popularity of the live-action hobby and (occasional) art form

Charles University student Ondřej Gemov spends a lot of time in the pool: “I haven’t left the water since I was six months old,” he jokes. Recent years have seen him clinch medals and spots on the podium. At 22, Gemov is one of the Czech Republic’s most promising swimming talents. When he has time, he follows fashion and Czech rap.

Sports associations that organise championship competitions in water rescue sports, pitting top swimmers in lifesaving disciplines such as manikin, relay, beach sprint and surf race. CU student and champion swimmer Dominika Geržová knows a thing or two about that.