VALUE OF SWIMMING

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 69, 14 December 1937, Page 13

VALUE OF SWIMMING

Physical Exercise and Sport SAFEGUARD IN EMERGENCY f'The undoubted value of swimming! as an exorcise for health and develop- : ment entitles it to rank as part of the normal physical training of every child not medically unfit. As a branch of physical training it deserves special consideration, as in addition to its actua'l physical effects it serves a purpose different from that of other skilled activities. Ability to swim may be a personal safeguard in emergency, and possibly a means of saving others. Swimming is one of the few Tecreatoinal activities which is both cheap and easily obtainable. " — Board of Education, England. "Swimming is more than a pastime; it has made it possible for manj thousands to retain youth and vitalitv after passing beyond the age of youth," writes Alderman Fern, hon. secretary, Amateur Swimming Association, in "Better Health." It comprises a whole code of scientifically -developed physical culture as well as a complete range of sporting activities. Those who practice swimming in any form should not be content unless they are . able to take a real share in its multiple benefits, and this they cannot be without proper guidanee and instruction. But it is essential to swim correetly; strict regard to proper methods is important, otherwise the sport as a means of beneiicial exercise and aid to physical culture is almost useless. The individual who has no idea of how to breathe properly of of the correct technique of the various strokes, and when and how to make the various movements is wasting time and energy. Swimming incorrectly will very soon tire the leg and arm muscles; while improper breathing will put a strain on the heart and lungs, causing the swimmer, especially a beginner, to leave the water feelmg very much exhausted. Such a result is entirely in conflict with the results that physical culture is intenied to secure. A right beginning is therefore vitally important, and consequently a start should be made under the direction of an expert instructor. Swimming has advantages over many other forms of exercise for it brings into action the entire system, giving every part of the body its proportionate share of work; it develoiJs thoroughiy and symmetrically, producing Bupple resilent, well rounded muscles; it makes for grace of carriage and ease^of movoment; it imparts self-reliance and courage; it is cleanly, and last, but by 110 means least a knowledge of swimming may be a means of saving life. To offset the evils of a sedetary life there is no better exercise. It will strengthen the lungs 'because it causes deep breathing; it strengthens the spine and enlarges the chest because it causes the head to be thrown back and the chest out; it strengthens the nervous system because it induces natural sleep. Iu fact, its invigorating movements will act as a tonic which is unequalled. Dr. C. W. Sale'eby, a well known authority writes, "There is no question that swimming is a natural and organic form of exercise, involving nervous as well as organic development, and therefore' far superior to artificial gymnasium exercises as a means of physical training. The stimulation of the nervous system through the' skin is also of high value, and these two points may be added to the many obvious ones in favour of this glorious form of activity. " Another point is that swimming does not become irksome. Most peoplt thoroughly enjoy, swimming, whether is the open air or in a covered swimming bath, so that exercise in ,the water seeins to them more like recreation than physical training. It is not so long ago since President Itoosevelt made the stateinent that a daily swim in the pool at the White House, the gift of the American public, keeps him in fine physical shape. To sum up, swimming is healthpromoting, cleanly, recreative and stimulative. [Issued by Department of Health.]