Just giving some introductions,
I'm about 2.5 weeks shy of being 18. I used to lift weights a lot at my old high school before i switched to private schooling. Basically, i went to heavy because i was listening to a bodybuilding website, and i had to stop about a year ago due to injuries.
My joints still bug me today, and i have had tendinitis from occasion.

Some have recommended me to swimming, especially a very sweet girl whom i've known for 6 years that goes to my old high school.

And i had some questions on swimming and its benefits.

-Can it be a good substitute for weight lifting? like can i still get a body above average from it that would turn heads?
-Is it truly easier on my body more than weight lifting?
-I hear many people saying that you have to lift weights to get a swimmers body, is this true or make up stuff?
-Can i get at least a little stronger from swimming?
-If i do gain some muscle and also muscle definition, where will i notice it at? many say mostly back and shoulders, and some say arms and shoulders and legs. What's the truth?

-what are overall benefits of being a swimmer?

-last question is, is there any form of martial arts that i can do that wont be too much over training on my shoulders? (i used to get bullied when i was 15, and i'd like to know some form of something for self defense).

Hey! I've been a swimmer for years, I started swimming at a very very early age and started competing in high school. It was just one of those things I was naturally good at; so I figured I should stick with it! Sooo many benefits to swimming; you should check out http://www.lanemates.com, I just found it and it looks like it might have some potential for contacts.

I'm on the other end looking back. I'm 35, and my doctor told me to lose a few and to try swimming. I haven't had the money to try a personal trainer to teach me the right way so I just joined the Y. I figured it was better than a potential injury. Any suggestions for me?