Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-08-20
Teaching Her TO Sw M

Among the recreations of the seaside
proper there are few more Interesting
than teaching any young and pretty
woman how to swim. Y No sane person
would presume to Instruct an old one.
therefore L make the distinction. And
1t requires the real sterling sort OF beauty
to withstand the rude, creme-de.lls de-
stroying embrace OF the surf. | have seen
an angel face dip into the brine-a
| smooth, young, dimpled face-and emerge
wrlnkled libel on juvenile womanhood.
| Therefore the man who wishes to
thoroughly enjoy this pastime should be
careful in the selection of his pupils
the first principle in the swimming les
son should be to inspire the pupil with
perfect confidence In her instructor, A
few words Of selrlaudation as to his
ssw inning power are therefore advisable
as they walk from tue bathhOuse to the
sea. A hint about having a couple OF
medals for saving life under the most des-
perate circumstances, locked up in his
trunk at home, will not be out of place
during this brief ramble. Wnen the light,
foam tipped swash first touches the lady's
toes, a slight scream, or rather squeak,
may be expected. At this point the sOOth-
ing business should begin, and the pro-
lessor may lay his hand gently upon the
pupils arm, with mild remOnstrance
about this exhibition OF timidity. Then,
as they proceed farther into the
tide, no should firmly but still
gently support her, and If wave
strikes them both and she clings
| impuisively to him he should carefully
refrain from squeezing the pretty coward,
no matter how strongly he may be urged
toward this expression OF esteem. He
should then induce her to wet her head
and stand by tor the effect of the dips. If
gh A N nj a
unwrinkled he may continue his lesson
with enthusiasm. If she does not he can
! please himself. but most people would
remember an engagement in another por-
ton OF the beach.
! The pro per movement of the legs and
arms is the first lesson TO be inculcal ed.
| In teaching this, the professor must in.
duce his pupil to keep her chin well out
OF tde water. Therefore, while he sun.
ports the chin with the left hand, the
right must grip the pupils ankle, bring
the leg as far back as possible, and ease
! 1t OF again. at the same time seeing that
the fair bather's dress is not disarrauged
! in these efforts. Should al accident hap
| pen, the professor, who should always be
supplied with pins, must delcatey in
sist upon making the REPAIRS ut the same
time diverting the pupils mind with
some amusing anecd0te, and taking the
! whole situation as a matter OF course.
In teaching the art of floating, the palm
! OF the left band should rest Mt the small
Of the pupils back, and under no
| circumstances should this position be
| changed. When n more than usually
! powerful wave launches itself upon the
! pair the professor may throw his strong
/ arms about the pupil and lit her above
! the surf; indeed, if she exhibit much
| timidity he may raise her of Der feet, and
encourage her-by showing how easily he
can save her from the spray. And when
/ at last she has mastered the useful art
they can take short swlms together, and.
perhaps, il all conditions are favorable.
continue this agreeable oompanionshl o
on shore, and go hand in hand down the
sunlit path OF welded life.