AID TO THE DROWNING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue VIII, 23 February 1895, Page 182

AID TO THE DROWNING.

HOW TO EFFECT A RESCUE WITHOUT DANGER TO EITHER PARTY. How is it possible to rescue a drowning man without danger to either party concerned ’ It is essential that the man in the water should be reached as speedily as possible. Therefore a rapid plunge into the water nearest him would be the proper thing to do. It is better to run along the shore of a river to a point above where the man is in order to have the assistance of the current in rescuing him, thus saving your strength, which will be needed later. Be sure to approach him from behind, grabbing him in such a manner that your left hand, which passes under his left arm, may grasp his right wrist firmly, and press him firmly toward you. Then swim toward the shore upon your back, being careful to make use of the current all you can. The right hand is kept entirelyfree and can be used in swimming. Only the faces of the two will be visible above the water, and both bodies will be carried more by the water (according to the specific weight) the rescuer having the task of moving forward. The rescuer cannot be grasped by the one rescued, as the latter cannot turn to the right, because his wrist is firmly held, nor can he tnrn to the left, because then the rescuer would pull the left shoulder closer to his own. If the first attempt to catch the drowning man be not successful, try it again. The objection that if a drowning man grasp you it is impossible to shake him off, is groundless. The man drowning will always try to keep his head above water. Therefore all the rescuer has to do is to dive under the water, and the man will immediately let go. The method is advocated by the leading swimming societies everywhere, and it has been stated that, except in extraordinary circumstances, one cannot drown so long as he retains his presence of mind and is occupied with one person only. Let everybody remember to save a fellow being from drowning depends in every case not so much on the rescuer’s skill as a swimmer as on bis cool-headedness and quickness of action.