The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-02
FOR SWIMMERS.
The Suggestion Of q Swimming Teacher al
Bath Beach.

IF had my way" said Professor 7. p.
Donaldson, swimming teacher at Bath
Beach. Il would have a law passed making
it obligatory for all beach-Owners to have
static nary reel with lifeline. Then when
a person was in danger the life-saver could
fasten the line to his belt, rush to the
rescue, and people on shore could haul the
saver and the saved to the beach. Until
such a law is made we will continue to hear
of the sad cases.
You must know that fairly good sw i'm
mer takes more or less delight in showing
off. He plunCes into the surf and swims out
beyond the breakers. There lie floats about,
plays porpoise and makes soinersaults, and
soon gets tired. 1t was so easy for him to get
beyond the breakers that he has given
no thought of the matter of getting
back. Going out he faced the waves
and breasted them calamity. as they
say. The recession of the previous
wave aids his going OUT, and he has jolly
time, but when he starts back he fluids it
hard work. He makes very little Roadway,
for he is now fighting the current that was
his aid before. The waves, too, are now
breaking on top of him with tremendous
force, and their frequent recurrence makes
him serious. Then he redoubes his efforts,
but he is tired and makes no Roadway. He
yells for help, but proably sinks before as
sistance arrives.
"Now. what that man should have done
was to allow himself to be carried back be-
yUnd the breakers, float and signal for help,
and he could easily be saved il n reel and
life line were at hand. Boats are OF little
use, as was shown when young Brokaw lost
his life. Whenever you are caught beyond
the breakers turn on your back and float
| and keep your wits. Don't struggle 1t is
a sad commentary that the dead float, be-
| cause they can nut make any motion, while
| the struggling live man sinks.
"Bat If you are coming in, don't get rat
| tied. When wave strikes you swim as
| fast as you can under water. Keep pace
with the crest Of the wave If possible. Take
| your breath in between waves. BY these
| means yoa will make Roadway and soon be
| able to stand on the bottom. Whenever you
J can touch bottom with your head out Of
/ water do so. You will be able to walk
| faster than you can swim, and you car
| make your way to the ropes. When stand
ing on the bottom brace yourself against
the undertow and hold your breath when
struck by wave.
elf you are ever called upon to assist
drowning person be sure you get behind
him. Never, under any circumstances, fac,
a drowning person. He is sure to seize you
Once you are in the grasp of drowning
person little short OF miracle can saw
you. Always ge. behind a drowning
person. and, II possible. seize hin
by the hair. Then tread water unit
other help arrives. Don't attempt to swim
in and drag your burden with you, for yo
will soon find that you need both arms I
make any progress. Remember, too. that
does not need great efforts to keep bod
afieat. You can keep person on the sur
face by placing the tip OF finger under thu
body. Keep passive and you will not sink
you are bound to go beneath the surface ]
lyou struggle.
above all things remember the ute
folly OF going beyond the breakers. Ii 70
do SO you will not endanger your life. IN
| Y. Recorder