SWIMMING LORE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3420, 15 February 1936, Page 2

SWIMMING LORE

SOME VALUABLE POINTS. The handbook issued by the Surf Life-saving Association of Australia contains a mass of interesting information. Some points that may be of use to swimmers from inland districts visiting the beaches are given below:— Cramp may be defined as a painful, spasmodic contraction of a muscle, part of a muscle, or a group of muscles, usually in the leg, rendering the contracted muscle or muscles temporarily helpless. It is usually caused by prolonged chilling or excessive exhaustion. The essential fact to remember is that by itself it cannot drown anyone who can swim or float. The danger consists in an unreasonable fear of cramp, and the resulting failure of self-confidence when one is attacked. Bathers when in trouble are apt to become panic-stricken, and to do all the wrong things, and to drown from sheer fright—not from inability to keep afloat. A swimmer attacked by a severe cramp should either float on his back, "sculling" gently with his hands or steady up into the breaststroke position. Having reassured himself, he may then decide either to help himself by stretching freely the muscle affected, or to call for assist-

ance. As undue cold and excessive exertion, particularly in an untrained condition, produce cramp, it can be readily prevented by not stopping in the water too long, avoiding excessive efforts too early in the season, and finally getting and keeping fit: - Hints to Surfers. 1. Don't bathe directly after a meal. 2. Dqn't bathe outsidefthe area indicated by flags on a beach. 3. Don't bathe in quiet or secluded spots where the beach is unattended. I. Don't bathe where the water is' calm, always choose a spot where the waves are rolling evenly shorewards (still waters run deep). On entering the water pick a suitable landmark on the beach, and see that the crosscurrents do not carry you away from that point, as unconsciously you may drift into an outward current. 5. Don't get excited if caught in the undertow. Signal for help by raising your arm in a perpendicular manner, and adopt a floating position until help arrives. 6. Don't stay in the water feeling cold or numb. Come out or cramp may be the result. 7. Don't struggle if seized by cramp; signal for help by raising your arm, and maintain a floating position. Try and keep the affected part still. (Cramp alone cannot drown a man; fear does).

8. Don't struggle against a current; swim diagonally across it. 9. Don't interfere when a rescue is being performed by qualified lifesavers, unless requested to by one in authority. Keep cool and calm, and by your example help to control others. Breath Control. Breath control is one of the essentials of water-wrestling and should be practised assiduously. Life-savers should always ta.ke a deep breath before attempting to break a grip, as part of the struggle may take place under water, allowing them to continue long after the patient is well spent. Therefore, breathe deeply and at the right time.