FLOATING, DIVING AND SCIENTIFIC SWIMMING
TREADING WATER
Treading water is a very useful and necessary adjunct to swimming,
especially so to the person who either falls overboard or goes to the
rescue of a drowning person, or when trying to remove one's clothes. In
the game of water polo, also, this method of swimming is practised a
great deal.
To tread water is like running up-stairs rapidly; the legs have to be
brought up and down all the time; the hands should be kept on the
surface of the water, the palms continually pressing against the water,
and thereby helping the legs to hold the body up.
It is possible to stand perfectly still in deep water, it being merely a
question of balance.
Stand perfectly still, with the arms in line with the shoulders and the
head kept well back in the water. The head will sink below the surface
once or twice until the proper balance is reached. When this is attained
try breathing through the mouth. The swimmer can stand still for an
indefinite period.
[Illustration: TREADING WATER]
FLOATING
Floating on the surface of the water is enjoyed immensely by all good
swimmers. This feat may seem quite simple, but it is not very easily
accomplished. There are many persons who are fairly good swimmers, and
yet are unable to float properly. The best of swimmers have often
attained this feat only after long and persistent practise. It is
possible to learn to float without being able to swim, but in that case
only by persons not subject to the least nervousness. As a means of
securing rest during exercises in the water, floating gives an ideal
position. Without the ability to float one lacks the absolute
self-confidence in the water so necessary in order to perform numerous
aquatic feats.
As a rule, women learn to float more quickly than men, because their
bones are lighter. Oftentimes women are able to float the first time
they enter the water. Strange as it may seem, while this accomplishment
is a very difficult matter for some men to master, with women it is
almost natural. Nothing is more enjoyable to a good swimmer than
floating. Especially is this true while bathing at the seashore, when
the sea is often rough and the breakers high.
[Illustration: FLOATING POSITION]
The positions for floating or for swimming on the back is practically
the same, the only difference being that in floating the body lies
perfectly motionless, while in swimming on the back the limbs are
constantly in motion. There is no position more comfortable to a swimmer
than floating; it is the position of rest, and no bed is so soft as the
ocean. To be able to lie perfectly at ease with only the toes and the
lower part of the feet peeping above the water is one of many pretty
accomplishments in swimming. Yet it requires considerable practise to
become perfect in the art.
[Illustration: INCORRECT FLOATING POSITION]
After the novice has mastered the back stroke, it is essential that he
should learn how to float in different positions. Begin then by
extending the arms above the head, thumbs locked, and back hollowed;
then bend slowly backward until the back of the hands and head rest in
the water, when, by giving the feet a slight push forward, the legs will
rise slowly to the surface. Keep the mouth open and breathe deeply, as
the more air injected into the lungs the higher the body will float.
The head, being the heaviest part of the body in the water, should
therefore be kept well back. Should the legs show a tendency to sink,
extend the straightened out arms under the surface in line with the body
above the head; this will counterbalance the legs.
[Illustration: EASY FLOATING POSITION]
Another method is to draw the heels up close to the body, spreading the
knees wide apart so that the heels will touch each other. Should the
body roll from side to side, spread the arms until the body is steadied;
sometimes a slight stroke from the side which is rolling is sufficient
to maintain the balance. As women float much easier than men on account
of the smallness of their bones, stout persons are more buoyant in
floating than slim ones. Floating in fresh water is more difficult than
in salt water. Few male swimmers can float in fresh water at all.
To regain the feet in floating seems to be a difficult thing for
beginners, and yet it can be done with comparative ease and little
splashing if the arms are brought in front, using the hands as a scoop
while pulling the body forward from the waist up. By bringing the body
and the head forward until immersed, the legs will be forced to the
bottom. One thing beginners should always remember is to keep the lungs
well inflated and the head well back in the water; in fact, everything
should be kept under water with the exception of the mouth and the nose.
Another important thing to remember in floating is to keep the body
limp, and breathe naturally and regularly.
DIVING
After a person has mastered the first rudiments of swimming, such as the
back, breast, and floating strokes, he is naturally anxious to learn to
dive. There is nothing more fascinating to a swimmer than a sharp, clean
plunge into cool water.
The whole secret of diving is the possession of plenty of pluck and
self-confidence. One need not be an expert swimmer to be a good diver.
In fact, some persons can dive very well and at the same time are
mediocre swimmers. As in other branches, practise makes perfect.
While in ordinary swimming diving is indulged in merely for the pleasure
derived therefrom, in racing diving is a very important factor.
Frequently races are won mainly from the ability of the contender to
dive properly; in other words, to get away with a skimming plunge, thus
securing a good start and getting into a stride that carries him to
victory.
This form of swimming is also of the utmost importance in the matter of
life-saving. As a luxury in sea-water bathing nothing equals a plunge
from a good height.
I advise beginners to practise from a float or springboard, the latter
being preferable, as the spring naturally throws the legs up into the
air, thereby preventing the diver from landing flat on his stomach, as
most beginners usually do. The essential points to be considered in
diving are to keep the head well tucked in between the extended arms,
the thumbs locked, the arms forming an arch above the head. In standing,
preparatory to the dive, the knees should be slightly bent, so that the
spring comes from the bended knees and toes.
[Illustration: TEACHING DIVING TO A BEGINNER]
In teaching diving to a nervous pupil, at first I generally hold up the
left leg as he is bending over to dive. The farther over he bends, the
higher I raise the leg, as per illustration. Then it is impossible for
the swimmer to fall flat on the water; the upraised leg prevents that.
This is the way that I advise all would-be divers to make their first
attempt. After a while the diver will throw up both legs in the air
behind him. To obviate entering the water with the knees doubled up,
as so many do (see illustration), the toes must be pointed straight up,
back arched. Pointing the toes tends to straighten the legs out (see
page 94). Another method I use in teaching a diver to spring well out is
to hold a long stick across the water, about four feet away and three
feet above the diving-board. This makes the diver spring well out and
throw his legs up behind him. It is well to impress the diver always to
keep his thumbs interlocked. Otherwise, if he should be diving in a
shallow place, the hands would spread and the head would strike bottom;
locking the thumbs prevents this.
After deep and shallow dives have been mastered, the pupil can take up
various fancy dives, such as the "side dive," "standing-sitting dives,"
"standing, sitting-standing dive," "back dive," "jack-knife dive,"
"front-back dive," "back somersault," "front somersault," "sitting
jump," and numerous others.
[Illustration: A BAD DIVE]
[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION IN MIDAIR]
[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION ON ENTERING THE WATER]
The side dive is made by standing sideways on the diving-board, the
forward foot turned so that the toes grip the edge of board. When
springing out, the back should be well hollowed and the face turned
up, the head well tucked in between the arms.
The "standing-sitting dive" must be made from a good springboard. The
diver stands at the edge of the springboard, the arms straight down,
with the hands at right angles with the arms, the palms downward. With a
slight spring the pupil drops to a sitting position, the palms flat on
the springboard, and the legs straightened out rigidly in front. Thus
the impact, assisted by a push-off with the hands, will jerk the diver
head foremost into space. The diver then turns over, straightening the
body and entering the water as in an ordinary dive.
In the "standing-sitting-standing" dive from a standing position the
diver assumes a sitting position as in a "sitting" dive, drawing the
knees under to regain the feet again and pushing off for the dive.
[Illustration: MRS. FRANK EUGEN DALTON POSITION FOR A DIVE]
[Illustration: THE STANDING-SITTING DIVE]
[Illustration: THE BACK DIVE]
The back dive requires a depth of at least five to six feet. The toes
should be well up to the edge of the pool and the back well hollowed.
This is the main essential; one also must point the toes out well. This
is a very difficult dive and requires plenty of nerve and practise.
The "jack-knife dive" is made from the back-diving position by springing
up in the air, doubling the body up from the waist, and throwing the
legs up behind, trying to enter the water as clean as possible facing
the springboard.
The "dolphin dive" is the straight front dive, only the body must be
turned sharply in the air from front to back. The easiest way is to
practise this from a springboard about six feet above water.
The back somersault from the springboard requires the swimmer to double
up while in the air; the arms should be lowered from the shoulder and
bent up from the elbow, and the knees drawn up, so as to make the body
ball-shaped, when the turn-over can be made easier.
The front somersault is exactly the same, only with the face forward
instead of backward.
[Illustration: THE DOLPHIN DIVE]
For the Australian splash one stands in the regular diving position,
springing well out and doubling the body in the air, with the hands
clasping the knees. One must keep the head well forward with the toes
pointing down.
[Illustration: THE AUSTRALIAN SPLASH]
The "neck dive" must be done from a springboard well above the water.
Grip the front of the board with the hands, with the head well over the
edge, throwing the legs in the air, turning the body over, and back
somersaulting into the water, feet first.
When a swimmer has improved and added speed to his racing stroke, he
should practise shallow racing dives and how to turn sharply in a tank.
This is very important, as many a race has been lost through the
inability of the racer to turn sharply when reaching the end of a tank.
To practise this, swim slowly to the end of the tank, gage your strokes,
so that the right hand grasps the bar which is usually placed around the
tank a little above the water. Throw the left arm over the right arm
against the marble side of the bath under water; at the same time double
the body up, switch around, gathering yourself well together, and shoot
forward with the arms extended. Ten to twenty feet can be covered on a
good push-off. The method usually followed by swimmers in America is to
double up and turn to the left when they are within a foot of the end of
the bath without touching with the hands, but pushing off with the feet.
In races in England this turn is not allowed, as the racer must touch
the end of the bath with his hands.
[Illustration: THE NECK DIVE]
A racing dive is a very shallow dive. The quicker the swimmer gets to
the surface the less time is wasted in getting into his stroke. Both
these things are very important and should be well practised. When
training in a tank, the racer should never go the full distance, but
reserve his speed for the day of the race. In a tank it is a good plan
to count the number of strokes required to do the length, so that you
know just when the end of the bath is reached without turning the head.
A straight course is always advisable. This can be kept by swimming
parallel with the side of the bath. It is good practise to get a friend
to time your lengths, and get used to diving at the word "go." The best
position for a racing dive is with the hands in front of the body, the
knees bent, and the mouth open, so that you get all the air possible
before striking the water. Always spring out as far as you can. Never
mind if it is a flat dive. This is much better than a deep, clean dive,
and less time is lost.
SWIMMING LIKE A DOG
Children generally manage to swim like a dog in their initial attempts.
This is a very easy and simple method of propulsion, mainly for the
reason that the arms and legs are never lifted above water.
[Illustration: SWIMMING LIKE A DOG]
Legs are kicked out straight to the rear, sole of each foot striking the
water squarely and alternately, instead of working together. Hands are
placed in front of the body, with palms down, and are successively
brought down under the body and up again.
PLUNGING
To become a good plunger the swimmer, first of all, has to have good
lungs. He must be able to hold his breath for at least one minute under
water. Ability to float face down, as in the dead man's float, is also
essential. Many would-be plungers find that their feet sink after having
gone about 25 feet, the reason being lack of practise in floating.
When practising for plunging the take-off should be about three feet
above the water. The thumbs should be locked, the knees slightly bent,
and the edge of the diving-board gript well with the toes. Empty the
lungs by exhaling, then fill again with a long, deep breath, and at the
last inhalation spring forward, with all the force possible, taking care
not to go deep in the water; about two feet down is sufficient. Keep the
head well down and the toes pointing up. The back should be arched and
the legs bent up from the knees; this will counteract the tendency of
the legs to sink. Unless one makes a straight dive by pushing off
equally strong with both legs, the body will go sideways to the side of
the pool. Floating on the back and chest is mainly a question of
balance, and comes only after considerable practise.
[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION FOR LONG PLUNGE]
The time limit allowed in a plunge is 60 seconds without raising the
face out of the water. The record is over 81 feet, 5 inches, and was
made in England by H.W. Allason.
SCULLING
This is one of the simplest methods of swimming on the back, the
forearms and hands alone being in motion during the performance. The
swimmer turns on the back with the legs straight out and together, or
crossed, the arms being flexible and near the body. The hands, with
palms downward, must be in line with the thighs, with the fingers
slightly raised. The hands are worked from the wrists, from right to
left, in addition to a slight movement (right to left) of the forearm.
This forces the body, head first, very gracefully through the water.
SWIMMING BACKWARD ON THE CHEST
[Illustration: SWIMMING BACKWARD ON CHEST]
In performing this trick of backward on the chest, the body is placed in
position as in the breast stroke, the legs and arms together,
outstretched in line with the body. The feet must be moved slowly from
the knees, each leg separately. The feet are alternately pushed backward
and the toes extended to the rear. The feet must not come above the
water. The action of the hands is performed with the palms facing
outward, each hand being pushed alternately forward.
Another method of using the hands is the reverse of the breast-stroke
movement; in other words, the breast stroke movement is done backward.
Begin with the arms out straight in front, the palms together, and then
draw the arms backward until the wrists touch the chest. Next throw out
the arms horizontally in line with the shoulders, the palms turned out,
thus sending the body backward by bringing the outstretched arms
straight together until the palms touch. If the performer be an expert
swimmer he can, by using this arm movement, dispense with the leg
movements. This is a "stunt" well worth practising, as it looks very
effective in the water.
THE WASHING TUB
[Illustration: THE WASHING TUB]
This is a very simple performance and requires little practise. The
swimmer turns on his back, doubles the body by bringing the knees up to
the chin, with the legs crossed. The body is kept in position by working
the hands the same as in sculling. As soon as the swimmer has obtained
his balance, he pushes the water away from his body with the right hand
and uses the left hand in the opposite manner, or, as it were, pulls the
water toward the body with the left hand.
THE PROPELLER
This is a very graceful movement and never fails to excite admiration in
onlookers. To do it properly requires considerable practise. One must be
able to float well. There is always a tendency to raise the head above
the proper level, which in turn causes the feet to sink.
[Illustration: THE PROPELLER]
To begin, the swimmer should turn on the back, placing the hands at the
side of the body, keeping the head back and the feet together. Slight
movements of the hands from the wrists will keep the body floating. Then
make a long sweep of the arms from the body, under the surface of the
water, until they are at full length beyond the head. Thus the body will
be propelled with the feet foremost. As soon as the body is in motion,
the hands should be moved by the wrists and forearms only, in a
scoop-like manner, with the palms turned outward. The body may be turned
round by lessening the movement of one hand and increasing that of the
other, the body turning to the side on which the lesser movement is
taking place. Bringing the arms to the side again as in the original
position will bring the body to a standstill. This trick, seemingly very
simple, is somewhat difficult of accomplishment, and requires
considerable practise.
THE TORPEDO
This is a rather difficult performance. It requires a great deal of
practise. The movements are almost identical with those in the
"propeller," the main difference being that in this trick the head is
kept under water.
[Illustration: THE TORPEDO]
To begin, the performer should lie flat in the water on his back, with
his arms stretched out beyond his head. The palms should be turned
upward. Then the legs should be raised from the hips, and kept rigid.
This will cause the body to become submerged, all but the ankles and
feet. One then must work the hands the same as in "propeller," but at
the end of each stroke make a slight upward pressure with the palms, so
that the body may retain its position below the water.
The movement of the hands will cause the body to move forward, feet
first. The swimmer should at all times keep his eyes open in order to
guide himself in a straight line.
THE CATHERINE WHEEL
[Illustration: THE CATHERINE WHEEL]
This is a very effective "stunt." After assuming the floating position,
turn on the right side, with the arms at full length, the hands close to
the body, and the knees drawn up. Begin by moving the legs sideways;
that is, bring each knee up alternately, straightening out the legs and
making a wide sweep with each leg before bringing it up again. The legs
are used the same as paddles on a side-wheeler, as in the illustration.
This should be practised on both sides. One hand is made to scoop the
water toward the body in front, while the other is manipulated the same
way at the back. With a little practise one thus may simulate a
Catherine wheel--at least when the act is done rapidly and efficiently.
ROLLING
To roll in the water one has to be able to float well; to roll easily
the body must float as high in the water as possible. No movements of
arms or legs are required at all, the balancing being done with the
head.
[Illustration: ROLLING]
First get into a floating position, the arms extended beyond the head,
the ankles crossed as in the illustration. Then fill the lungs well with
air, and gently rock the body from side to side, increasing the motion
until the body rolls nearly over on its side. Having reached this
position, turn the face well over on the right side, and the body will
roll over and turn up again on the other side. After the first complete
roll, once momentum is started, the second becomes easier. Several rolls
can be made before stopping, provided the breath holds out. Always
finish in the floating position. When one has learned how to roll over
on the right side, rolling on the left side should be practised, until
that movement becomes as easy as the other one. After practise the rolls
can be made very easily and gracefully, without splashing. The legs must
always be kept crossed and together, never letting the hands come out of
the water.
SWIMMING LIKE A PORPOISE
This trick, very interesting and pretty, is quite mirth-provoking to the
onlooker, especially if indulged in by a number of swimmers. Unlike the
vast majority of tricks performed in the water, it does not call for
ability to float well, the only qualification being that one must be a
fairly good swimmer.
Begin by lying flat on the water with the face downward. Then take a
deep inspiration after having cleared the lungs. As the chest begins to
inflate, the body must be allowed to sink under water. At the end of the
inspiration the head should go below the surface. After a couple of
breast strokes under water, turn the head upward. By executing a strong
kick with the legs, the head will rise out of the water. As the body
rises, make one stroke with the arms, and, as soon as the head comes up,
the arms should be recovered to the first position of the breast stroke
and pushed together downward through the water from its level to the
side of the body. Simultaneously, as the hands are moving toward the
body, the legs should be straightened with a sharp kick. This will
force the head and shoulders out of the water.
[Illustration: SWIMMING LIKE A PORPOISE]
A sudden inclination of the head toward the chest will assist the body
in rolling over, when the back and legs will become visible after the
head is again under water, the legs being the last to sink. By carefully
regulating the breathing, this movement can be effected a number of
times.
THE PENDULUM
This is another very clever trick, requiring considerable practise; the
main essential is ability to float. The "pendulum" is primarily a
balancing feat, a well-inflated chest being the main requisite.
The body should first be allowed to float on the water, with the arms
stretched out beyond the head and in line with the body. The head must
be thrown well back while the body is kept perfectly still. Then take a
deep inhalation, bringing the head well forward, as if to look at the
feet. Simultaneously with this movement draw hands toward the head.
These combined movements will cause the body to sink, and thus assume a
perpendicular position in the water.
When the body has assumed a perpendicular position, the arms must be
brought to the front of the body, stretched well out, and at the same
time the head must be sunk between the arms until the face and arms lie
on the surface of the water. When the arms and head are down, the feet
will rise and the body float on the surface with the face down.
[Illustration: THE PENDULUM]
To come back to the first position, the head must be tilted backward and
the hands drawn to the back of the head. Again the feet will sink and
the body be swung back to a perpendicular position with the face above
water. One must then stretch the arms at full length behind the head,
with the palms upward, gradually inclining the head backward until the
legs once more rise to the surface, and the body floats face upward.
Repetition of these movements produce a swinging similar to that of a
pendulum. The movements must be accomplished with regularity, at all
times keeping the legs straight and together.
SOMERSAULTS
This is one of the easiest and simplest tricks. With very little
practise it can be mastered by most ordinary swimmers. Of course, this
statement refers to the ordinary somersault, either backward or forward,
which is nothing more than a turning over of the body while in the
water.
[Illustration: FORWARD SOMERSAULT]
In the back somersault the head is tilted back as far as possible, the
legs well drawn up, and the arms thrown out horizontally from the
shoulders. Then the body is turned on the back and a stroke taken with
the arms and hands. As the body is doubled up, this action causes it to
turn completely over, the head going under first.
In the forward somersault, the head is prest down upon the chest, the
legs doubled up, the same as in the back somersault, the arms at right
angles with the body, and the palms downward. The stroke is made similar
to that in the back somersault, but the movement is started in front.
If there are a number of these motions to be made, the lungs should be
well filled before beginning, as there is no time for proper breathing.
DOUBLE SOMERSAULTS
As this trick requires two swimmers, it makes necessary a great deal
more practise. To begin, the swimmers stand on the bottom of the pool,
one in front of the other. The forward swimmer throws out his arms at a
right angle with the body, even with the shoulders, and spreads his legs
until his feet are about twelve inches apart. Then the second swimmer,
after taking a deep breath, dives under water and places his head
between the legs of the other, bending his legs backward until they come
close to the head of the forward swimmer, who in turn tilts his head
backward so that it may be grasped by the legs of the other.
When in this position, the swimmers begin to turn backward, using the
arms the same is in the backward (single) somersault. The head of each
swimmer should be tilted well backward. As the head of the forward
swimmer disappears below the surface, the head of the other should
appear. After several turns the grip of the legs may be released and the
swimmers rise to the surface in their original positions.
[Illustration: DOUBLE SOMERSAULT]
WITH ONE LEG OUT OF WATER
In this act the swimmer should lie on his back, the same as in sculling,
raise one leg until it is at right angles with the body, keeping the
other leg straight and rigid. The action of the hands will propel the
body forward.
[Illustration: ONE LEG OUT OF WATER]
When becoming proficient in this movement, the swimmer can practise
raising the other leg. This requires considerable more force in the
working of the hands, so that both legs may be kept in position. By
performing the motion of the hands directly under the legs, less
difficulty will be experienced.
SWIMMING WITH CLOTHES ON
This is an accomplishment that should be learned by all swimmers. In
addition to the sense of security given in time of accident, it is
productive of great amusement at race meets and exhibitions, and never
fails to excite admiration and wonder in the onlooker. Of course, this
can be practised with an old or cast-off suit.
Practise first with a coat, then with a coat and waistcoat; next add
trousers, and last the shoes and stockings. This will gradually accustom
the beginner to the extra weight of the clothes.
In case of an immersion in clothes, with no help in sight, the sooner
the swimmer removes his clothes the longer he can support himself. The
easiest way is to float on the back and remove the coat, taking out one
arm at a time, using the legs as in the Dalton stroke; next remove the
vest, still lying on the back; then unbutton the trousers and pull the
right leg down with the left hand. To remove the left leg, use the left
hand and kick out with the right leg. To remove the shoes, lie on the
back and draw up one leg at a time, crossed over the other leg, and so
try and undo the laces. If a knife is handy, cut the laces and kick the
shoes off. This is one of the most effective feats practised at
exhibitions.
WITH HANDS AND FEET TIED
This trick is most frequently performed with the wrists and ankles tied
with a rope. The performer should plunge into the water as for a shallow
dive and rise to the surface without making a stroke. The legs are then
drawn up until the heels are quite close to the back of the thighs, then
the legs are kicked out together. The arms are drawn down through the
water, in front of the body, and then shot out. Care must be taken that
too much force be not employed, or much of the beauty of this movement
will be lost. Naturally, the pace will be slow, but this does not
detract from its neatness, nor lessen the admiration that this trick
always calls forth.
This work is often performed by experts, having their arms tied to their
sides or behind their backs. When performing in this manner, one must
swim on the back, and the legs only can be used for propulsion. In this
instance better progress is made, as it is much easier to swim on the
back with the hand and feet tied than it is to swim on the breast under
the same conditions. One of the main essentials in the performance of
this trick is ability to float. These performances, also, are much
easier in a tidal river or stream than in still water, as the body is
carried forward with the motion of the water, and less exertion is
necessary to remain on the surface.
OVER AND UNDER
[Illustration: OVER AND UNDER]
This is one of the prettiest exhibition tricks that can be accomplished
in the water. If performed by a lady and gentleman it never fails to
elicit great applause. The swimmers begin with floating alongside of
each other. Then one slowly paddles ahead of the other with his hands
until his toes are in line with the shoulders of the other. When in that
position, the first grasps the neck of the other with his toes. Then the
other slowly brings his or her arms back under water and catches hold of
the ankles of the first. After balancing for a moment, the other dips
his or her head below the surface, at the same time giving a strong pull
at the ankles of the first, which draws the first directly over him. The
first one allowing his arms to float straight behind him. While the
first is slowly sailing over the other submerged, the latter watches the
former, and when the neck of the first is in line with the feet of the
other, the latter raises his feet and grasps the neck of the former, who
allows his body to rise to the surface. The performance is then
repeated by the first grasping the ankles of the other, and continuing
as before.
These movements must be done slowly and gracefully, each swimmer
allowing the other time to inflate the lungs before the next pullover is
made. After these movements have been gone through about a dozen times,
and when in position for the final pull, the forward one should loosen
the grip on the neck and propel himself ahead to the side of the other
swimmer, when both can bend forward in unison, making a very neat and
graceful finale.
SWIMMING UNDER WATER
To be able to swim under water is quite an accomplishment and often may
be of very valuable service, but as an achievement in competition or for
exhibition purpose it is not to be encouraged because of the danger of
prolonged immersion, and the fact that many competitors do not know when
to desist.
Under-water swimming should be practised by experts only, but care must
be taken not to prolong the immersion in order to reach a definite point
or to accomplish a certain distance before rising to the surface. It
often happens that swimmers, in order to achieve a certain distance,
remain under water after pains in the back of the neck give warning of
oncoming unconsciousness, in which case they may lapse into a state of
insensibility, and there is grave danger of drowning.
When these contests take place in baths, it is not a pleasant sight to
watch a swimmer struggling on, against odds, in the hope of beating a
rival for the coveted prize. The action of the arms and legs become
slower and slower, until at last, from sheer exhaustion, the body rises
toward the surface for a short distance and then sinks to the bottom
motionless.
One of the advantages of being able to swim under water is the ability
it imparts to the swimmer to reach the body of a drowning person, or to
bring the body of a drowned person to the surface.
In swimming under water, the ordinary breast stroke is the one used. To
swim downward, the head is prest down toward the breast, and when
wishing to rise the head is deflected backward.
If swimming under water for a long distance, the body should be kept
near the surface, for the reason that the pressure is greater in the
corresponding depth. Care should be taken to fill the lungs before
starting, and as soon as the first symptoms of asphyxiation are
noticeable, the swimmer should rise to the surface.
Among the notable feats accomplished under water may be mentioned that
of James Finney, in England, in 1882, who accomplished a distance of 340
feet. William Reilly, of Salford, an amateur, swam 312 feet under
water.
The time limit for under-water swimming is about a minute and a half. At
the Crystal Palace, London, England, in 1892, in a diver's tank 15 feet
deep, Prof. F.E. Dalton picked up 74 plates in a single immersion.
MONTE CRISTO SACK TRICK
This is one of the most sensational performances of the professional
swimmer. From a spectacular point of view it is very effective. To do
this trick one must be an adept at under-water swimming; an assistant is
necessary in order to tie the knots properly.
[Illustration: MONTE CRISTO SACK TRICK]
The sack to be used must be large enough to allow plenty of room for the
swimmer to move about. At the bottom of the sack place a number of heavy
weights. A hole must be cut at the top to allow the rope to be passed
through.
The swimmer gets into the sack, taking firm hold of the loosened ends of
the doubled rope and that part of the sack close to it. The assistant
then takes hold of the ends of the rope and ties them around the sack.
The knots must be made on the other side of the sack from that on which
the ends have been passed through. After warning the swimmer, so that he
may inflate his lungs, he is thrown into the water. The weights at the
bottom of the sack will cause him to sink feet first.
After remaining in the sack a few seconds the performer releases the
ends of the rope held by him and pushes the sack open with his hands,
when he is free to rise to the surface.
This appears to be a very dangerous feat, but in reality is a very
simple one for a good swimmer.
NOTABLE FEATS BY CELEBRATED SWIMMERS
Considerable interest was aroused in the early part of August, 1875,
when the statement was made that Captain Matthew Webb, an Englishman who
had served as second mate on several ships in the Indian and North
Atlantic trade, intended to attempt the remarkable feat of swimming
across the English Channel. His first attempt resulted in failure. This
took place on August 12, 1875. After swimming for 6 hours 48 minutes and
30 seconds, during which period he covered 13-1/2 miles, Webb was
compelled to leave the water owing to having drifted 9-3/4 miles to the
eastward of his course by a northeast stream and stress of weather. Webb
started from Dover 2 hours 25 minutes before high water on a tide rising
13 feet 7 inches at that port. When he gave up no estimate could be
formed as to the probable distance he would have gone west on the tide.
In his second and successful attempt, on August 24 of the same year,
Webb started from Dover 3-1/4 hours before high water on a 15-foot
10-inch tide, which gave him one hour and three-quarters of the
southwest stream. His point of landing was 21-1/2 miles from Dover, as
the crow flies, but the actual length of the swim was 39-1/2 miles. Very
little rest was taken by Webb on the way. When he did stop it was to
take refreshment, and then he was treading water. During the whole time
he had no recourse to artificial aids. Of this there is indisputable
proof. The journalists who acompanied him across in a boat were careful
in their observations, and were men whose accuracy could be depended on.
The temperature of the water was about 65 degrees. Webb never complained
of cold.
For the first 15 hours the weather was fine. The sea was as smooth as
glass, the sun obscured during the day by a haze, so that the heat did
not affect Webb's head, and in the night a three-quartered moon lighted
him on his way. The worst time began at 3 A.M. on August 25th, as
drowsiness had to be overcome and rough water was entered. At this hour
he was only some 4-1/2 miles off Cape Grisnez, France, and altho he was
not then strong enough to strike out a direct course athwart the new
northeast stream for land, he was fetching well in for Sangette, where
he would undoubtedly have landed between 7 and 8 A.M. had adverse
weather not set in. He finally landed on the Calais sands after having
been in the water 21 hours 45 minutes. After performing this feat, Webb
for some years gave exhibitions of diving and swimming at an aquarium in
London and elsewhere. In July, 1883, he came to America for the purpose
of swimming the rapids and whirlpool at Niagara, and in this attempt
lost his life.
On September 1, 1875, Miss Agnes Beckwith, then only fourteen years of
age, swam from London Bridge to Greenwich, a distance of five miles.
Beginning her journey at eight minutes to five, Miss Beckwith covered
the first mile and a half in 18 minutes. Limehouse Church--a trifle over
halfway--was passed in 33 minutes, and Greenwich Pier was reached in 1
hour 7 minutes 45 seconds.
On September 4, 1875, Miss Emily Parker, who had previously undertaken
to swim the same distance as Miss Beckwith, not only equalled but
excelled the performance of Miss Beckwith. She went on to Blackwall, a
distance of seven miles, the time being 1 hour 37 minutes.
On December, 1899, Captain Davis Dalton swam for 12 hours continuously
at the Latchmere Public Baths in London, England.
On August 17, 1890, Captain Dalton left Folkestone for Boulogne with the
intention of swimming back across the Channel to Folkestone, a distance
of 27 miles. Dalton exprest his conviction that he could perform the
journey in 20 hours, and if successful would beat the time of Captain
Webb. He entered the water at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, and
accomplished the journey, without any remarkable incident, at half-past
three the following afternoon.
In July, 1891, Captain Dalton swam from Blackwall to Gravesend in the
River Thames, London, covering the entire distance on his back.
In December, 1891, Captain Dalton swam for 16 hours continuously at the
Dover Baths, England.
On August 27, 1902, after several brilliant attempts, Montagu Holbein
swam the English Channel, but was compelled to desist when only two
miles from the finishing point, after staying in the water for 22-1/2
hours.
The following feats have been recorded as accomplished during the year
1911:
William T. Burgess, of Yorkshire, England, crossed the English Channel
from South Foreland, Dover, England, to La Chatelet, two miles east of
Cape Gris Nez, France. Burgess started at 11.15 A.M., September 5, and
finished at 9.50 A.M., September 6. Time, 22 hours 35 minutes. The
distance is 40 miles. Burgess is said to have covered nearly 60 miles,
owing to changes in the tide and currents.
On June 11th Martin M. Harris, in an attempt to swim from Chester, Pa.,
to Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa., a distance of 16-1/2 miles, was
forced to retire at Greenwich, after covering 13-1/2 miles in 4 hours 8
minutes.
On June 25th Charles Durburrow swam from the Million Dollar Pier,
Atlantic City, N.J., to Ocean City, about 8 miles, in the open sea in 5
hours 33 minutes.
On July 22d Jabez Wolffe, in an attempt to cross the English Channel
from Sangatte, France, had to retire when within a mile of St.
Margaret's Bay, England, owing to adverse tides, after 15 hours'
swimming.
On July 23d Charles Durburrow, in an attempt to swim from the Battery,
New York City, to Sandy Hook, was forced to give up, owing to adverse
tides, when 1-1/4 miles from Sandy Hook, after swimming about 20 miles
in 6 hours 43 minutes. About this time Joseph O'Connor swam from
Watertown, Mass., in the Charles River, to Cambridge Bridge, Boston, a
distance of about 8 miles, in 6 hours 46 minutes.
On August 6th Samuel Richards swam from Charlestown Bridge, Boston, to
Boston Light, a distance of about 10 miles, in 6 hours 15 minutes.
On August 13th Noah Marks swam from Chester, Pa., in the Delaware River,
to Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., a distance of 16-3/4 miles, in 5
hours 19 minutes. Miss Rose Pitonoff swam from East Twenty-sixth Street,
New York City, to Steeplechase Park Pier, Coney Island, a distance of
about 20 miles, in 8 hours 17 minutes.
On August 20th Miss A. Akroyd swam from Charlestown Bridge, Boston, to
Boston Lightship in 7 hours 12 minutes 57 seconds.
On August 27th Miss Elaine Golding swam from the Battery, New York City,
to Steeplechase Park Pier, Coney Island, a distance of about 14 miles,
in 6 hours 1 minute. Raymond Frederickson finished first in a swim of
the U.S. Volunteer Life Saving Corps from the Battery to Coney Island in
6 hours 2 minutes 30 seconds.
On September 3d Miss Adelaide Trapp swam from North Beach to St. George,
Staten Island, New York, a distance of about 14 miles, in 5 hours 10
minutes. William D. McAllister won a long-distance swim from L Street
bath, Boston, to Spectacle Island and return in 4 hours 50 minutes.
All of these swims were made with aid from tide or current.