The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-10-07
How Not to Drown.

During summer deaths by drowning are
painfully common. One can scarcely look
in newspaper without seeing record Of
several, the result of carelessness, accident
or ignorance, and to the latter cause may
be probably ascribed the greater number.
1t is astonishing to see how little is known
of the buoyance of the human body. Until
the lungs are filed with water, it is easily
supported. In still water piece of pine
wood of sufficient size to support the weight
of pound or two, say piece foot square
and one inch thick, is enough when proper
ly used to keep ones head above water; and
when the head is safe, no fears need be had
for the rest of the body Of course to
float the head in this way the body must be
submerged, and this is the first rule to be
observed when in the water. Keep under
as much as possible, only be careful to have
the breathing apparatus, mouth and nose,
in the air, and the mouth even may be i'm
mersed for some time without inconveni-
ence. ..- ..
The use to be made of the small piece of
wood above spoken of is merely to aid in
keeping the head a little above water.
Resting one finger on it is quite as ser
viceable as to grasp it with the hand, and
much more go than to use both hands.
1t should be remembered that anything
weighs more out of than in water, hands
and feet being no exceptions. This piece
of pine would prove of little use should
one attempt to sit on it, while it is all that
is necessary to prevent one from drowning
if properly used With the head support
ed by using one hand or one finger, the
other hand and the feet may be used as
propellers, and even one who cannot swim
at all can make considerable progress in
this way. An ordinary chair is sufficient
to sustain two or three persons when pro-
perly used, but will prove of little service
to one who endeavors to make raft OF it.
A knowledge of the fact that water is buoy
ant, and little self possession or presence
of mind will often serve as well or better
than knowledge of swimming, and this
knowledge should be given to every child.
Try it with one, and see how readily he will
learn to support himself and propel himself
over water by means of small piece OF
board. 1t is natural for persons in water
to endeavor to get themselves entirely out
of it, and in cases where boats are over
turned we find their passengers endeavor-
ing to climb upon them for safety, forget
ting, if they ever knew, that boat is COM
petent to support more people in the water
than it will carry when upright There is
usually a little warning before boat cap
sizes, and every one should endeavor to
keep hold of something "a rope, perhaps
by which their connection with the boat
may be maintained, and as soon as possible
seize the boat itself, not to climb on it un-
less the boat is large, or the number of
passengers small, but to support themselves
until help comes, be it longer or shorter
time.
ALI boats, large or small, should carry
considerable floating material in the way of
seats, loose flooring, etc., that may prove
of service in cases of emergency. Many
lives are lost in consequence OF the panic
that usually ensues when an accident hap
pens on the water All who cannot swim,
and sometimes those who can, try to seize
the first thing within their reach, which
often happens to be person as frightened
and helpless as themselves, and the result
too often is the drowning of many who
might with little thoughtfulness not only
have saved themselves, but have been of
assistance to others. If you ever find
yourself suddenly precipitated into the
water, the probability is that you will go
under, but if you will keep your mouth
shut and feet and hands under, you will be
sure to come up head first, and if you are
not too badly scared the chances are that
you will find something to seize. With
seH-control and the knowledge we are try
ing to give you there are ninty-nine chances
in every hundred against your drowning
Neao York Sun.