Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1884-08-07
Healthful Summer Sport.

"What do you think is the most
healthful of all the summer sportsF'
asked New York Journal reporter of
an elderly physician the other day.
Swimming, of course" he said
promptly. 1T is useful. cleansing,
healthful, aud very enjoyable. What
more would you ask?"
But there are many who do not
know how to swim and who are not
able to pay for teacher" said the re-
porter.
That is all nonsense, my friend"
said the physician. Anyone living
in this city can learn how with an out
lay of so cents for a bathing suit. I'm
speaking more particularly of the wo-
men and girls. Most OF the boys know
how, and if they do not ought to be
ashamed. But girls do not as rule.
although would wager that nine out
of every ten would like to. Now, the
free baths are very nice and clean, and
patronized by good class of women. .
The water is from three and half to
four feet high. the place is better than
a beech. for among their own sex wo-
men sh0ald not mind awkwardness,
and there are always good swimmers
present to learn from.
1.-The way to 90 about it? Well, in
the first place, there is the bathing
suit, which should be made of some
light cotton material. One piece, COM
bining blouse and trousers, is all that
is required. The garments should
have short sleeves, and be cut rather
low in the neck. A broad band
attached to rope yard long is nee
essary to fasten about the body. First,
the swimming scholar must learn the
motion thoroughly. observe the move
ments of an expert swimmer. then
practice them in your room until you
have them perfectly. The movements
should be done very slowly at first.
Learn the hand movement by folding
the hands palm to palm, bringing
them up to the chest, parting the
water with them still closed, then
turning the palms outward and push
inc the water back. II this movement
is practiced several times before going
into the water, swimming will come
much easier.
1.-TWO going together may be OF
great service in teaching one another.
Strap the band mentioned above about
the center of the body, so as the rope
will come in the center of the back;
then let one hold the rope as support
while the other learns the motions. A
dozen lessons should be sufficient, but
it is very necessary to watch good
swimmer. The strokes should be long
and steady, made with a slow, even
movement.
do not attempt diving without
teacher, as it is injurious if not done
properly.
'lf you bathe often. put a little soft
raw cotton in each ear. Salt water
going frequently into the ear Injuries
the ear-drum.
do not bathe directly after hearty
meal. You may eat as soon after
bath as you feel the desire.
Never 60 beyond your depth or
where there is a strong undercurrent-
Even the best of swimmers is gone if
he is taken with cramp.
lyon may stay in the water until
your finger tips begin to wrinkle; then
go out Immediately.
'sWet the head first, then the whole
body at one plunge. otherwise chills
may ensue.
Pour bucket Of fresh water over
the hair after coming out SO as to re-
move the salt, which hurts the hair.
''Then if you aren't healthier and
stronger, l don't know what will make
YOU So"