A Swimming Lesson.

Manawatu Herald, 16 November 1897, Page 3

A Swimming Lesson.

From an exchange we clip the following suggestions about swimming, which should be of value at this season. The first role in learning to swim is, take things coolly. Remember that you can swim naturally if you can only put aside all nervousness and excitement. Salt water is the be°t to swim in on account of its greater buoyancy, but it is very difficult to learn in the surf. If you bathe in still or running water, be careful to choose a place free from weeds, and with a hard bottom, sloping gradually down to deep water. Be cautious about holes which would take you over your head especially when bathing in an un known place. Never venture into deep water trusting to coTks or lifebelts to keep you afloat. Such help will never teach you to swim, and may lead you into danger. You need have no fear of taking cold in the water ; but if you stay in long enough to get chilled you will most likely take cold when you come out. If you find that you do not get warm as «oon as you are dressed, you may be sure you hive staid in the water too long, and your bath has done you more harm than good. It is a great mistake to think that swimming is a sport solely for men and boys ; for not only do those girls who learn to swim enjoy doing so, but it is quite as important for girls to know how to swim as for boys. Nearly every large city is nrovided with swimming-baths, private and public, where every facility is afforded .for Brimming and learning to swim. - Enter the water until as deep as your waist, when you can stoop and duck your head and the rest of your body; then advancing until the water reaches to your breast, torn your face toward the shore. This direction is given to increase your confidence, as you must remember that as you advance you are getting into shallower water. Leaning gradually forward, extend your arms, keeping your bands together sideways, the thumbs close together, and the palms slightly turned from you, and just as your chin touches the surface of the water, draw a long breath, at the same time bringing your hands round toward your sides. If yon do this steadily and regularly, you will find your feet leave the bottom, and that you have succeeded in supporting yourself. You may not do this at the fir 6 l attempt, or even at the second or third ; but that will be because your heart has failed ydu, and you have made th« motion too quickly or irregularly. '''"''tt you have not yet acquired that perfect confidence necessary to enable you to become a swimmer, you may at first al ow one foot to touch the ground; but if you can manage without doing so, so much the better. (To be Continued.)