CLOTHES IN THE WATER.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 17 July 1916, Page 4

CLOTHES IN THE WATER.

Professor Joly, of Dublin, gives in

the Times an account of some experiments which he and Professor Dixon, have conducted upon the effects of wearing clothes in the water Their investigations have been prompted by a statement that sailors have been order- * ed to strip before taking to the water in cases of disaster to their vessels.. They find that in general this is a mistake. The retention of the clothes tends to keep the body warm, and the loss of heat under such conditions is only one third of that when entering the water naked. Nor does the weight of the clothes tend to drag the swimmer down. It is purely negligible in the water. These tests are very valuable, and certainly point to th e wisdom if keeping on the clothes when prolonged immersion is anticipated. Experience in swimming, however, would show (says the Westminster Gazette) that the clothes are a very serious hindrance to the movements, for the clinging of the trousers prevents the full bending of the ■ knee, and quickly tires the swimmer; while the working of the arms is also very much hindered. A good rule would seem to beete wear clothes when one is to be q*secut in the water for a considerable time, and to got rid of them if there is any chance of swimming to safety.