THINGS WORTH KNOWING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 5 January 1927, Page 7

THINGS WORTH KNOWING

To thousands of jaded workers the very thought <<f sunny days on tho golden sands and a plunge into the waves is invigorating. But there is always present the hidden danger, and, since every year we, have the usual list, of summer sea tragedies,.a few words of caution may help to avert accidents.

One golden rule should never he forgotten : do not, enter the sea. against Ihe advice of an expert swimmer. When one stands on shore and gazes upon the placid ocean it is no< easy to realise the tremendous powers of some of the currents thai swirl round some of our bays. Even on stormy days there are times that to (he uninitiated look wife, enough in spile of tumbling waters. And yet there, may be ;i demon there that 'will carry away even I he. most expertswimmer.

There are. a few simple rules all bathers should observe. Bathe when the water is warmest. I)r.« not enter the sea just after a meal. Do not bathe if not feeling well. Do not be. afraid of cramp and do not think of it. It is true it is

a dreadful thing and may attack the finest .swimmer, but there is very littlo danger of it if the person is in good health and obeys these rules with commonsensc. Do not go out alone; stick to the shallows; niake sure, there are no currents; and, lastly, do not run about after bathing. Swimming is exhausting and its tonic effect is lost by any strenuous exercise just, after it.' Finally, if caught in a current, humour it, since, to try to fight it is almost invariably a losing game. .Swim gently 'with' it* and try to edge out sideways. Sometimes., surprisingly, it seems io get tired of you and literally pushes you out into calmer water.