CHAPTER VIII.THE ART OF SWIMMING.
Every boy and girl should learn to swim. Instances are likely to arise, where a knowledge of the art will not only enable you to save your own life, but that of some dear friend.
When ready to take your first lesson in swimming, plunge into the water until the head and body are cooled. Then, standing where the water reaches your waist, lie down gently on your face, head erect as if walking, with the mouth just above the surface. Lift your feet from the bottom and strike them out in imitation of a frog. At the same instant or a second later, throw your arms, palms outward, from the front of your breast, drawing them in and striking out as before.
You will fail a good many times before you learn to swim, but do not give up. You will perhaps swallow some water, and in spite of all you can do, your head will drop more than once under the surface; but, if you will keep trying, youwill soon find yourself able to make two, three or more strokes, before you sink. A little practice will complete your mastery of the art.
It is well to use helps at the beginning. A friend may hold up your chin, or a light float may be fastened behind your shoulders. The body of a person is very little heavier than water, and a slight exertion, rightly directed, will keep it afloat for hours.
The most important step, after learning to swim, is to learn how to float.A skillful swimmer may find himself overtaken by cramp while in deep water. He can turn upon his back and float until he recovers or help reaches him. In case of shipwreck, or where a person is forced to stay a long time in water, he can rest by floating.
Taking your position in water, no higher than your breast nor shallower than your waist, you lie very gently on your back, with your chest elevated, your hands on your stomach and your feet extended in a straight line, close to the surface. If you wish to swim on your back, you have only to draw up your legs and strike out as when swimming in the natural position. It is a poor method, however, as you cannot see in what direction you are going, and will soon exhaust your strength.
After learning to swim, there are many fanciful movements which can be easily learned. They have no special value, but afford amusement to those who look on or engage in them.
You cannot be too careful while learning to swim. Boys are apt to be venturesome and think their parents are too timid on their account. You should make it a rule never to go into water beyond your depth until you can swim very well. If this rule should be followed the number of deaths from drowning would be greatly lessened.
Why should every boy and girl learn to swim?
Give directions for the first lesson in swimming.
What is sure to follow?
What helps may be used at the beginning?
Show the advantage of knowing how to float in the water.
Show how a person may float.
What is said of fanciful movements in the water?
What care should boys exercise?