Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 August 1876 — Rints to Swimmers. [ARTICLE]

Rints to Swimmers.

Ma flit bathlag season has fairly net in, and tito multitudes of those that betake MkMMMelvos to the water are innumerable, WO would direct the attention of every •wiaamer to a few points which may be ■areftfl to him when called upon to risk Vdto own life to save that of a fellow creat- . wm. It is man's flrat and most noble duty —the saving of life; and he who saves a ' bndy and soul from a too hurried reverence .wy drowning has done no mean action. ’Tb the ordinary unthinking mind it may mem a mere matter of course that a strong . swimmer should plunge in and haul out a -drowning person, but it is no such theme. • It requires courage, steadiness, coolness ..-and promptitude. Before going to the avreue » swimmer should rid himself of •every encumbrance he can possibly, witheM endangering the salvation of the person in trouble. Ooate, boots, pantaloons should be torn off in order. It is better *> remove these and be free than to burry .fat nnpreparod. If there is a rope or plana at hand use them. Take the rope tn one hand, having cleared it to pay out, but dUag the plank in ahead of you'and push * along. In approaching die drowning person be careful not to let him get a grip •as you if he has lost presence of mind. Get him, if possible, by the arm above the elbow, support him by treading water and Scraping both hands under water. If he .(a rational, obedient and capable, let him neat his hands upon your hips whilst you —<■ ashore with him. If he is sensible -b«t disobedient keep him at arm’s length, Jf aeoetoaiy by a hard kick about the SMghs, which will prevent hutwining his legs around you. and swim in slowly, (treading water rather than swimming. If ■the person is already insensible take hold wf the wrist and draw the arm over the •afasekler and the body onto your back, and go ahead, swimming with one hand but Keeping the other under water. If in res--ewing any one you are seized and entangled with terrified arms and legs do not struggle, but take in plenty of breath and 00 under. The hold will be loosed when the breath is exhausted, and in retaating itothe rescue be watchful and use force if wrcfimiry to incapacitate the struggler from ■eadangcring himself and you. In assisting persons who are sensible always make them fay their hands on your hips or waist, and mot on your shoulders, as in the latter case you have to bear a weight, in the former you have only to tow a floating body, for with the slight support afforded 4gr tha nesting of the hands upon any object so low down, the resting body is aknMtin its buoyant position.— Chicago