The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21
HEALrHFUL SUMMER SPORT.
The Art of Swimming and How 1t Is Ac.
quired.

@S nv VI "A0 AO" ~ ~
quired.
New York Journal.
What do you think is the most healthful of
all the summer sportsl' asked a New York
Journal reporter of an elderly physician the
other day.
Swimming, of courseI' he said promptly. "1t
is useful, cleansing, healthful, and very enjoya-
BILE. What more would you askPf
"But there are many who do not know how
to SWIM, and who are not able to pay for a
teacher" said the reporter.
That is all nonsense, my FRIEND" said the
physician. ANY one living in this city can
learn how with an outlay of fifty cents for a
bathing suit. I'm speaking more particularly of
and if they do not ought to be ashamed. But
girls do not, as a rule, although 1 would wager
that nine out of every ten would like to. Now,
the free baths are very nice and clean, and
patronized by a good class of women. The wa
ter is from three and a half to four feet high,
the place is better than a beach, for among their
own sex women should not mind awkwardness,
and there are always good swimmers present to
learn from.
'The way to go about it? We'll. in the first
place, there is the bathing suit, which should be
made of some light cotton material. One piece,
combining blouse and trousers. is all that is re
quired. The garments should have short sleeves,
and be cut rather low in the neck. A broad
band attached to a rope a yard long is necessary
to fasten about the body. First, the swimming
scholar must learn the motions thoroughly; OBJ
serve the movements of an expert winner,
then practice 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
pushing the water back. If 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 men
toned 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 a support while
the other learns the motions. A dozen lessons
should be sufficient, but it is very necessary to
watch a good swimmer. The strokes should be
long and steady. made with a slow, even move
ment.
DO not attempt diving without a teacher, as
it is injurious if not done properly.
"f you battle often, put IA little soft raw cot
ton in each ear. Salt water going frequently
into the ear Injuries the ear drum.
DO not battle directly after a hearty meal.
You may eat as soon after a bath as you feel
the desire.
"Never go beyond your depth or where there
is a strong under current. Even the best of
winners is gone if he is taken with a cramp.
"You may stay in the water until your finger
tips begin to wrinkle, then go out Immediately.
We the head first, then the whole body at
one plunge, otherwise chills may ensue.
Pour a bucket of fresh water over the hair
after coming out, so as to remove the salt,
which hurts the hair.
'"Then if you aren't healthier and stronger 1
don't know what will make you So"