SEA BATHING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 173, 20 January 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

SEA BATHING

WHEN TO BATHE AND WHEN'NOT

We are apt to take so entirely for granted the benefits of sea-bathing that it is a little startling to be told, a# Dr. A. H. Copeman, of Brighton, tells us in the Practitioner, that much harm is often done by indiscreet indulgence in the dip. There is a time to bathe and a time not to 'bathe; and Dr. Copeman gives a very interesting series of hints on what constitutes discretion in sea bathing. In the first place, delicate people should study the temperature of the water and avoid fatigue before venturing on a" sea bath. They should also make use of a shed or tent in preference to undressing in the open air, because the mere exposure of the air in the act of stripping is a potent means of loss of animal heat. "It is best to avoid loitering about after undressing," adds the doctor, "and to run rapidly into the water and immerse the wiole body under the first available wave." What is the best time to bathe ? Dr. Copeman says about two hours after breakfast, the period of greatest vital activity. "The one time to be avoided by all is after a full meal. During the process of digestion the vessels of the internal organs are already engorged with blood, and the shock of the cold water is apt to produce a very dangerous condition of digestion, the least of many penalties that may accrue being an acute attack of indigestion." It is an article of faith with many bathers to bathe before breakfast, but Dr. Copeman rules that business men after months of hard work, those who are below par, or getting on in years, should avoid this. "A disproportionate number of bathing casualties occur among the early morning devotees," he declares. The duration of the bath is another matter on which Dr. Copeman gives good advice. It should be regulated by the bather's constitution and health, the temperature of air and water, and the force of the Waves. "The water should be left at once if the preliminary chill is not at once followed by a healthy reaction." the doctor warns us, adding, "Five minutes for nonswimmers and fifteen minutes for swimmers are probably quite long enough | even for those in perfect health." The article contains a word about child bathers. It directs that very young children should always be coaxed and never forced into the water, as the fright and resultant nervous shock renders then more prone to chill. If children are peevish, tired or disinclined to play after bathing, it is a plain indication that they have been in the water too long, or that they are not suitable subjects. Sea air .is generally too stimulating for children of highly nervous temperament. Rickety children and those suffering from enlarged tonsils are excellent subjects for a prolonged course of sea bathing. Dr. Copeman warns people not to bathe when under the influence of great emotion or excitement. Apoplexy is by no means an infrequent cause of "drowning." "It is a common error," he says, "to suppose that if the bather arrives at the waterside heated by exercise he should wait till he has cooled down before entering the water. Per contra, it is most unwise to bathe when the b.ody is already chilled, and the bather would do well to delay until some gentle exercise has restored the circulation. "Continuous paddling cannot be too strongly discouraged," is the doctor's parting warning.