_Attitude and Action in the Water._
The swimmer having, by all the preceding means, acquired confidence,
may now practise the instructions already given on attitude and action
in swimming: or he may first proceed with the system of Bernardi,
which immediately follows. As the former have already been given in
ample detail, there is nothing new here to be added respecting them,
except that, while the attitude is correct, the limbs must be exercised
calmly, and free from all hurry and trepidation, the breath being held,
and the breast kept inflated, while a few strokes are made. In swimming
in the usual way, there is, first, extension, flexion, abduction and
adduction of the members; secondly, almost constant dilation of the
chest, to diminish the mobility of the point of attachment of the
muscles which are inserted in the elastic sides of this cavity, and
to render the body specifically lighter; thirdly, constant action of
the muscles of the back part of the neck, to raise the head, which is
relatively very heavy, and to allow the air free entrance to the lungs.
_Respiration in Swimming._
If the breath is drawn at the moment when the swimmer strikes out with
the legs, instead of when the body is elevated by the hands descending
towards the hips, the head partially sinks, the face is driven against
the water, and the mouth becomes filled. If, on the contrary, the
breath is drawn when the body is elevated by the hands descending
towards the hips, when the progress of the body forward consequently
ceases, when the face is no longer driven against the water, but is
elevated above the surface,--then, not only cannot the water enter,
but if the mouth were at other times even with, or partly under the
surface, no water could enter it, as the air, at such times, driven
outward between the lips, would effectually prevent it. The breath
should accordingly be expired while the body, at the next stroke, is
sent forward by the action of the legs.
_Coming out of the Water._
Too much fatigue in the water weakens the strength and presence of mind
necessary to avoid accidents. A person who is fatigued, and remains
there without motion, soon becomes weak and chilly. As soon as he feels
fatigued, chill, or numbed, he should quit the water, and dry and dress
himself as quickly as possible. Friction, previous to dressing, drives
the blood over every part of the body, creates an agreeable glow, and
strengthens the joints and muscles.