BATHING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17410, 12 December 1924, Page 12

BATHING.

To many one of the most, enjoyable parts of a seaside holiday is bathing. They grudge the time they do not spend in the sea and arc very annoyed it a wet or cold day prevents them indulging their favourite pastime. Some people sire not. however, satisfied with grumbling: they think they have come to the seaside to bathe and bathe they will, however unsuitable the day. That way. of course, lie colds, influenza and many other ills. Some girls force themselves to bathe, even although they do not enjoy it. and it does not suit them, merely because they see others enjoying it. They seem to think that if they persevere they may like it in time, but really it is foolish to do this, for if bathing does not suit one it should he given up at once. Ifafter bathing,you can’t get warm, or you feel heavy, languid and miserable all day. it is obvious that, bathing does not agree with you. and you will I>e far better to stay warm and dry on the land. For those who can come out of the water warm, fresh and brisk, the bathe is often the very best part of the whole holiday. There are some people, though, who seem to think that bathing is a duty which must not be omitted by anyone whilst at the seaside. This belief does not matter much if it does not extend to the children of the family, but it is wrong to force children to bathe against their wishes. They should be encouraged to enter the sea. not driven to it. It is really very foolish to make what should be- a joy a terror, and generally harshness defeats its own ends. A sensitive child never eets over its firstfears. if it is once thoroughly frightened. It should be taken into the sea gently, not ducked, and riot even splashed until it is used to the water. When it once has confidence in itself and in the people with whom it is bathing, it will begon to enjoy being in the water. But it is forced to bathe it will hate and fear the sea all its life.