The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-06-22
Acquiring The Art OF Spsmmlng.

A swimming instructor reports that
every summer moro and mere girls
are learning the art natatorial. Moth
ing promises better for the future Of
the race. Swimming is one of ths
most heslthful Of phyaieal exercises,
Likewise one of the most graceful and
useful. Besides that, the woman who
can swim we'll has acquired that men-
tai self control which her sex needs as
much as anything to-day.
Miss Margaret Mcdonald, e New
York city girl, is better swimmer
than any men, except q few of the
most expert. Last summer she de-
feated four men who started with her
in e FIVE mile race. She has swum
across the Hudson river with the tide
running powerfully upstream. When
friends accompanying her in boat
begged her to give it up she replied,
I'm going across if I'm carried half
way to Albany" She reached the
opposite shore three miles above
where she started. Once in record
time Miss Mcdonald accomplished a
seven mile swim. And in the break
ers off Manhattan Beach this young
lady saved the life of man who was
drowning. She made hi Z, first prom
ise not to grasp her; then she took
him by the collar of his bathing suit,
turned him upon his back and towed
him to safety.
Miss McDonald's power, skill and
fearlessness in the water are largely
tho result Of long practice. Her
mother is the proprietor of q swim
ming bath establishment besides the
Hudson river in upper New York city.
The girl never had to overcome any
"panickyness" in the water, because
she learned to swim before the con-
soiousness Of fear had awakened in
her. The panicky fear, the dread OF
they don't know what, seizes thous-
ands ofSwomen when they try TO avim,
end If there vas any possible way for
them 20 drown no ioabt they would
do so. Fortunately. however, wo-
man could hardly drown If she tried
to do so at present day swimming
pools and bathing resortu.
In learning TO swim the first thing
is to overcome che fear OK the water.
Many girl does not have this, and
she is lucky indeed, for all she has to
dc then is to become familiar with the
arm and leg strokes. These Of them
selves are Pimple enough and easily
learned; the skill and speed comes by
practice.
In case woman lacks confidence in
the water and is inclined to be scared
the unwisest possible thing is to
"duck" or frighten her suddenly.
Suct shock to the nerves may dis
courage her permanently. The same
is true with regard to timid child.
Done frighten it if you wish it to
become good swimmer.
It must not be forgotten. either,
that woman Of any sge-ninety, IL
che has the grit-may learn to swim.
Every year many middle aged and
elderly women acquire tie art, with
great benefit to their health and phys
ical activity. Numbers of ladies take
to swimming to reduce flesh. :
If you are timid in the water, just
become accustomed to it. Go into it
every day and paddle around in it.
Wade into il as far as you can with
out becoming scared, then walk
around, padding with your arms.
You will shortly feel quite at home in
it. Remember to keep your arms un-
der the water and yonr fingers close
together. The breast stroke can be
learned while you are wading about.
Put your palms together in front Of
your breast. Then, palms still in
this position, thrust your arms
straight out in front. Then part them
and swing each away round to yonr
eide. AS you swing the arm around
revolve the wrist 80 your palms will
be turned backward. A good swim
ming teaeher iss Of greet assistance,
and there are always swimmers who
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