Count me among the zillions of aging boomers who have damaged every joint in their bodies trying to stay forever young and fit, somehow believing our bodies would never rebel against us for all the abuse we heaped on them in the name of exercise and good health.

But here we are, and my new orthopedist just advised me to cut out my daily long-distance runs unless I fancy having both knees replaced in time for my next birthday. “Try swimming,” he said. “You’ll get a much better workout without destroying your joints.” He also suggested biking, another low-impact workout. But the way people drive cars around here, nothing doing.

So, swimming it is. After all, where else can you feel completely weightless, even if only for a short time? Plus, swimming is the best way to brush aside Florida’s wilting summer heat, which by noon in July feels more like the surface of the sun.

Swimming is one of the few activities that offers a vigorous full-body workout without compromising your joints. Sore muscles? Maybe at first. But damaged joints? Not unless you jump into a waterless pool.

The most important benefit of swimming, of course, is its effect on the heart. Swimming, when done regularly, not only improves the muscles of your back, arms, shoulders, and legs, but also strengthens the most vital muscle of the body, your heart. A strong heart pumps blood more efficiently, and improves circulation throughout your entire body, especially the brain. And because blood flow is how our bodies receive oxygen and other vital nutrients, greater cardiac efficiency and improved circulation helps lower your risk of cardiovascular and other diseases.

Swimming has more pedestrian benefits as well. For one thing, it requires no special equipment or pricey shoes that can set you back a house payment. For me, a beach towel, t-shirt, pair of old flip-flops, and an ugly bathing suit are all I ever need.

Swimming can also add zest to your social life, as you are bound to meet plenty of kindred spirits around a busy neighborhood pool. There are even local swimming clubs for every age group and skill level.

I have always been a very capable swimmer, so my only challenge was finding somewhere to show off my flabby form. But, hey. This is Florida, the swimming pool capital of the world, with the Gulf of Mexico lapping at one coast and the Atlantic Ocean at the other. How hard can it be to find somewhere to swim?

But first things first. Swimming in the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico is fine. But swimming in fresh water, as every Floridian knows, is strictly forbidden, unless you are certain you can outswim a gator. Getting tipsy and thinking you can outswim a gator is also frowned upon. As such, you should never swim in rivers, lakes, ponds, retention ponds, canals, wetlands, or your friendly neighborhood slough.

Fortunately, in Sarasota, there are exceptional public pools. A favorite of mine, the Arlington Park Pool & Aquatic Complex, offers residents and visitors a 50-meter lap pool, 25-yard instructional pool, outdoor basketball courts and tennis courts, a playground and outdoor fitness gym, a ½-mile walking trail, and a dog park.

The one-time admission price for adults at Arlington Park is $4, a three-month pass is $180, and a twelve-month pass is $400. Seniors and youth (under 17) pay $2/day, $90 for three months, and $256 for a twelve-month pass. Daily hours for public swimming are Mon.-Fri., 10am-7pm and Sat. 11am-5pm. Closed Sunday. The park and swimming complex is located at 2650 Waldemere St.

Another favorite, the Lido Beach Pool, just reopened after a somewhat lengthy closure brought on by a faulty pump whose replacement was stalled by the usual supply chain issues. Open from 10:00 am to 4:45 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (weather permitting), the pool is directly adjacent to the recently replenished beach, food concession, bathrooms and changing areas. Parking is free and never hard to find, especially in the summer. Daily admission and long-term passes are priced the same as Arlington Park. The seaside pool is located at 400 Ben Franklin Dr., on Lido Key.

The YMCA/Selby Aquatic Center & Water Park is another exceptional place to swim, especially if you reside in the Palmer Ranch area of South Sarasota. Located at 8501 Potter Park Drive, this impressive facility offers a 50-meter, Olympic-size pool; 25-meter warm-up pool; and a seasonal water park. Operated by the Sarasota Sharks swim club, there are swimming programs for all ages and abilities, as well as private or group swimming lessons. Daily hours for open swimming are Mon.-Sun., 11am-1pm. Prices are $7 per session, or $70/month.

For additional places to swim be sure to make friends with people who live in condos and gated communities. They always have the best pools. And they’re never crowded!