The swimmer may prepare for diving by taking a slow and full
inspiration, letting himself sink gently into the water, and expelling
the breath by degrees, when the heart begins to beat strongly. In order
to descend in diving, the head must be bent forward upon the breast;
the back made round; and the legs thrown out with greater vigour than
usual; but the arms and hands, instead of being struck forward as in
swimming, must move rather backward, or come out lower, and pass more
behind. (Plate XXVII. fig. 1.) The eyes should, meanwhile, be kept
open, as, if the water be clear, it enables the diver to ascertain its
depth, and see whatever lies at the bottom; and, when he has obtained a
perpendicular position, he should extend his hands like feelers.
To move forward, the head must be raised, and the back straightened a
little. Still, in swimming between top and bottom, the head must be
kept a little downward, and the feet be thrown out a little higher than
when swimming on the surface (Plate XXVII. fig. 2); and if the swimmer
thinks that he approaches too near the surface, he must press the palms
upwards. To ascend, the chin must be held up, the back made concave,
the hands struck out high, and brought briskly down. (Plate XXVII. fig.
3.)
[Illustration: _Plate XXVI_
_Page 98._