A Physiological and Managerial Analysis of Static Floating (Mummy Swimming): From Invention to the Founding of a World Confederation

Static Floating (Mummy Swimming) is a rare athletic method in which a person floats in water with hands and feet bound. This method was developed by Dr. Mohammad Safdari — a 15% chemically injured war veteran and retired teacher — and in 2007 led to the founding of the World Mummy Swimming Confederation (W.M.S.C) with over 50 member countries. This paper examines Static Floating from two perspectives: first, the physiological perspective which includes analysis of heart rate, respiration, metabolism, and body balance in water; second, the managerial perspective which includes the founding of the Confederation, organizational structure, and international recognition. The results of this research show that Static Floating can be used as a complementary method in swimming instruction, veteran therapy, and military training.