SWIMMING STROKES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23058, 8 December 1936, Page 14

SWIMMING STROKES

For all swimmers there are a number of safety-first rules, which every beginner would do well to remember. They have been sponsored by a wellknown Channel swimmer. If you are unable to swim, the best way to learn is to join a local swimming club, or to take a course of lessons under the supervision of a professional swimming instructor. Never stay in the water too long. On no account prolong your swim if the body begins to feel cold. Dress at once, giving yourself a good rub down. It is unwise to bathe immediately after a meal. Allow at least an hour to elapse before taking your swim. Avoid bathing in lonely spots, where help will not be at hand if needed. If you should be, attacked by cramp, turn on your back and move your legs quickly up and down. It is not wise, if you are not sure of your heart, when entering cold water for the first time, to jump or dive in, as the heart would receive a sudden shock. If swimming in the sea, enter the water from the beach; if swimming in a pool, go in from the steps. But do it quickly. Never swim out to sea, unless accompanied by a boat. A better plan is to swim in a line with the shore at about your own depth. A knowledge of life saving is a valuable asset. Learn to help others as well as yourself. The breaststroke is usually the first one to be learnt. In this the arms and legs work independently. It can be very graceful. It is always used in life saving, as the rescuers can keep the drowning persons in view while approaching them. Of the many attractive dives, the swallow dive is perhaps the most graceful for girl enthusiasts. The straight-forward dive usually learnt first is called the English header. After she has mastered the simpler strokes, you will be surprised at the rapid strides—or, rather, strokes—your daughter will make with her swimming; she'll be proficient at the "crawl" soon, and you'll be overjoyed at the good effect it will have on her health, and, therefore, of course, on her whole mental outlook.