Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 August 1895 — TO LEARN TO SWIM. [ARTICLE]

TO LEARN TO SWIM.

An Instructor Gives Some Excellent Advice to Beginners. Captain Allen, swimming instructor at the New York public baths, says: It is a very difficult matter to learn to swim correctly without a master. If possible take some lessons of a competent instructor. If but a few they will suffice for self-practice. Hundreds of my pupils have learned to swim a mile at the end of their first season. Comparatively few self-taught swimmers can do as much after swimming half a lifetime. To teach rapidly and correctly there is but one true method. The pupil is first given what is called a “dry lesson” before going into the water. In this he is taught to make the movements of arms and legs according to count. As soon as these points are thoroughly comprehended he is allowed to go into the water suspended by a belt attached to a rope in such fashion that he occupies a horizontal position, breast downward, and with the shoulders just covered by the water. In this position he is practiced thoroughly in executing the arm and leg movements separately and in combination. Many pupils master the stroke in one lesson. As soon as proficient an inflated rubber air belt is tied about the chest, supporting the pupil while he is perfected in the stroke. The quantity of air is decreased at each lesson, until the pupil has gained the confidence to make an effort without support. In this way any one, however timid, may learn the art rapidly and correctly.

To the person who is to learn to swim, but cannot afford the luxury of a master, a few hints may be of service. Beware of deep water or places where the bottom is uneven, or currents swift and treacherous. Choose a quiet spot, where you can wade out gradually until the water reaches the armpits. Remember that but a slight movement is necessary to keep the body afloat—if the hands are kept under the surface of ihe water. The arm movement is made as follows: Palms of hands together, arms extended straight in front of breast, fingers closely touching. Using the thumbs as Divots, turn the hands over into a horizontal position nearly. Without bending the arms move the hands through the water till they form a straight line with ear and shoulder, then dropping elbows nearly to side and simultaneously pointing fingers downward, bring tips of fingers together in front of (but not touching) breast, and almost directly under chin. Now, uniting palms, push hands swiftly forward into first position . The leg movement is not made until the hands are moving toward chin. At this moment with heels together and toes pointed outward, at an angle of forty-five degrees, the legs are drawn up with knees apart (frog fashion). Then kicking feet right and left as far as possible, the legs are brought swiftly together as the hands are pushed forward to first position. Be careful to bring the legs swiftly together. This is the most important factor in the whole stroke, for it is this 'sudden displacement of the water that gives two-thirds of the impetus. Use the arms very quietly and depend upon the leg motion. Now with the water reaching to the armpits, place the hands together under the surface of the water and stooping until the chin touches the surface, push gently from the bottom with the feet, and make stroke quietly, but with decision, as described above. Any’one can purchase a preserver/ and by following above directions in a few days learn the “breast stroke,” the A, B, C of swimming. That stroke once mastered, all others are comparatively easy. Few swimmers breathe properly. This is most important. Learn to inhale by the nostrils, and exhale through the parted lips, and at every stroke. It is an exploded theory that drowning persons go down three times and then expire. I have seen a drowning man go down a half dozen times, and still “bob up serenely.” It all depends upon the manner in which he struggles, and whether he succeeds in getting a supply of air each time that he rises to the surface.