Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-07-02
Caution in the Swimming Season.

/ Sa0SIOtt III SuV S"ttssss'S
At the beginning of the summer
season the Journal has for many years
made it a practice to say few words
| of warning to it's readers, and
especially to it's younger ones, regard
| ing the dangers to be met with in
swimming. Drowning accidents arc
among the saddest events that news
papers have to chronicle, for in nine
cases out of ten they might have
been avoided by the exercise Of ordin-
airy care and precaution.
In the first place, solemn duty
rests upon parents to see that their
children are carefully safeguarded in
this matter, and that the word Of
caution is spoken to them that may
mean safety, possibly life itself. Boys
should be made to understand that
they can have just as good swim by
keeping near the shore as by ventur-
ing out beyond their depth and into
uncertain currents where, in case of
trouble, they would be largely beyond
reach of succOr. They should also be
warned against the great danger that
arises from foolish horse play when in
the water, as a result of which many
a promising young man and many a
likely boy has gone to his death.
Especially should every boy be made
to understand that it is his duty TO
help the unframed swimmer and to
see to it that he does not venture into
places of danger. There is nothing
more reprehensible in any boy than to
pense of other boys who have not yet
learned to have confidence in them
selves when in the water and who are
thereby peculiarly liable to panic.
Many boys have lost their lives as a
result of such folly.
OF course every boy should be
warned against the idiocy of rocking
a boat thereby endangering his own
life and those of his companions.
When every possible precaution has
been taken, the fact remains that
cramps are liable to come to any
swimmer when least expected. Some
years ago the writer was enjoying a
swim in large artificial pool fed by
sea water in which were a number
of other swimmers one of whom had
been entertaining the party for some
the water. Later on, he was taken
with cramps in both legs, and, but for
the prompt assistance OF his COM
panions, would have lost his life. Here
was rugged athlete in the very
flush of health who in a minutes time
was rendered as helpless as a babe
The experience that befell him is
liable to come to any man or boy in
the water, and, for that reason, it is
of the utmost importance that none
of them should unnecessarily venture
out beyond their depth and that in
enjoying the sport of swimming they
should plan to do SO under the safest
possible conditions. 1t is of very great
Importance that every boy should he
taught as early as possible in life to
swim, but this accomplishment should
be acquired under competent instruc-
ton and under conditions that Will
insure the largest possible degree of
safety
1t is a matter of regret that the city
of Augusta has not a large gymnasium
building such as is maintained in
many cities of the country by the
Y. M. C. A. Association, building
thoroughly equipped with all the
modern devices for physical develop
ment and having in it's basement a
good sized swimming tank where boys
might be taught this important arr
under competent instruction 1t is the
earnest hope of the Journal that it
will not be called upon to chronicles
any drowning accidents the coming
summer.