THE ART OF SWIMMING.

Shannon News, 10 December 1926, Page 3

THE ART OF SWIMMING.

* —,_ •, NOTES Or ITS USEFULNESS.

(By Los.- M. Murphy)

It is essential that every man, woman and child vshoukl acquaint themselves with, the art of swimming, for no individual can tell the day when he or she might bo called upon to strike out for the shore from, for example's sake, a capsized yacht. If such an incident Def ell you, a non-swimmer, how do you think you would fare? Ponder very carefully over this question. I feel sure you will arrive at the same conclusion as I did. when the same query was first applied to me, viz;., depend on your fellow-mates for your safety. But supposing they also are in the same plight as yourself, and no help is near? What would you do? The consequence is obvious. This is a matter that should receive the careful attention of those unfamiliar with the strokes of swimming. I could quote many sad drowning fatalities due to the victims, unable to swim, wading just a little too far seaward, being caught by the under.-tow and swept off their feet, or being capsized out of a boat, but to do so would require itoo much valuable space in this paper. Many bathers—when I say bathers I mean those persons who delight to paddle and fool about in the water and do not know the real value of being able to swim—do not realise, until it is brought home to them, the danger of wading beyond a certain depth. Some venture seaward until the tips of their toes are on the bottom and their chins almost touching the surface which is certainly playing with danger and can bo attempted once too often. If nonswimmers will only adhere to the following timely hints of warning then there should be little cause for alarm on their part: — Keep inside the danger zone and do not on any account ignore any danger warnings unless you are under the charge of a very strong and reliable swimmer'and even then it is not too safe. If no danger signal is in sight make inquiries from the right source as to the safety zone before going into the water. If you are subjected to giddiness, faintness, or a sufferer from heart trouble, you should at first consult a physician before indulging in the watery pastime. This is a point that should be carefully noted by persons suffering from the aforementioned complaints. ; Do not allow yourself to be induced by others wlurre danger is likely to

exist, 'although no post indicating same is to be seen. Be very careful as to this warning until you are quite able to , swim. It is no use venturing into or near such place if you are nothing more than a moderate swimmer for one cannot tell the exact danger existing there. Be wise and keep inside the warning posts. Avoid bathing in quiet and secluded spots, for should an accident occur and no help is available the consequences are obvious. Join in the thron,gs and disregard the imagination for it is nolhing else, that everyone is looking and poking fun at you. It is for your welfare, not. theirs.