NOTES ON SWIMMING

Chronicle (Levin), 10 November 1949, Page 7

NOTES ON SWIMMING

"Freestyle")

Hints For Learners And Instructors

(By

; This page, being compiled too j early to comment on the open1 ing of the swimming season last 1 night, I have decided to pass on j the following helpful hints to ' learners and instructors which will j undoubtedly be useful. When a person enters the water ; to learn to swim it is essential : that he have complete confidence in himself and the instructor. j Learners gain confidence by im1 mersing themselves and opening their eyes in the water. Always remember that a person is safe in the water once he can float. Should anyone be subject to earache, deainess or running from the ears, they sliould always* take the precaution of pragging their ears or of wearing a waierproof cap. The following are a series of "don'ts" which learners would do ■well to heed: — (1) Do not exhaust yourself by trying to do too much in one lesson; (2) do not bathe l airecdy after a nieal, but always wait at leasu one hour; (3) do not bathe in quiet or secluded places; (4) do not stay in the water when i'eeling cold or numb; (5) do not remadn in a wet costume after leaving the water; (6) do not attempt 1,0 struggra if seized with cramp, but raise your right arm for help and float on your back; (7) do not jump or dive into water of unknown depth. Remember that it is by grace and ease, and not by violent effort, that you are able to move forward. TaJte nouice of the faults the instructor finds or they will remain with you for years. ' If forced to swim alone, remember that it is better to be sure than sorry. Methods Of Instruction. There is no set rnethod of teaching a learner 10 swim. The method used is left to your discretion. Try to encourage your pupils by your own enthusiasm. A learner should be able to swim a little after the third lesson. Nothing must be done to disturb the confidence of the learner. In that respect the water should not exceed a depth of three feet. Remember that for young children, games played in the water add to their enthusiasm ancl confidence. Instructors are recommended to give demonstrations beforehand in: (a) Action of the arms and legs in conjunction with the side rails of the baths; (b) floating. The water is a new element for learners and- t-hey must be given time to become accustomed to it. It is most important that instructors see that the learners are breathing regularly and not holding their breath. It is wise to teach a learner to float face flown as it provides him With confidence and Ihe relaxed position from which the learning strokes can be taught. Above all, instructors should impress upon learners that balance and relaxation are the essence of swimming.