The San Francisco call., 1909-07-10
THE MIDNIGHT VISIT O RnP:ss:s::s s!ssss A:ss:::
Drowning Accidents

HERE are chronicled every sum-
] mer a long list of fatal drowning
accidents which plunge thousands into
mourning. and the pity OF it is that a
little knowledge of Workmanship and
ordinary care might have prevented
most of them. To ignorance or care
lcssness In entering and leaving boat
or while in it; to venturing in open
water unprepared and to neglect of the
rudimentary principles of waterman
ship can be traced half the recorded
fatalities.
No ore should ever take out rowing
persons who do not know how to swim
without first ascertaining that the boat
is safe and seaworthy and provided
with the necessary paraphernalia for
eventualities. 1t is when one least
expects it that accidents occur, writes
L. de B. Handley in the special va
cation number of Recreation. and the
only way to avoid them Is to be pre-
pared at all times. A stout bow line
enough life preservers to go around.
an anchor, something to bale with and
an extra pair of oars should be car
ried on principle. You may not need
them SO times out of a hundred, but on
that hundredth time they may mean
life or death.
In getting into a boat one should
tty ~ ctCp Il6IL luIO the DOItOn over
the keel, or if this is too great reach,
on to the middle of the seat and then
down. Stepping on the gunwale has
been responsible for numberless cap
sizings, and it is good idea when in
experienced people are embarking to
take hold of the boat and steady IL.
Enter, II possible. where you intend to
sit and in such a manner that you will
not have to turn afterward
The weight should be distributed as
evenly as possible. in a small boat
with slight preference to the stern. II
the bow is buried the least head swell
will flood the boat and II the stern is
too deep following sea may swamp
it. In making landing one should
approach at an angle, shipping the in
ward oar a few yards away and round
ing UP by backing with the outward
one. 1t is dangerous to stretch out
over the gunwale to reach for float or
pier In landing the person in the
bow should be first, taking the bow
line with him and steadying the boat
for the others.
/ will not insult the Intelligence of
the reader by advising against rocking
the boat or indulging in like idiotic
skylarking. One must be decidedly
lacking in gray matter to choose such
pastimes. There are certain rules
about ones behavior in a small craft,
however, which should be kept con-
stantly in mind. For instance, should
it be necessary for two people to
change places they should keep we'll
over the keel until ready to pass each
other and then standing face to face
move to either side simultaneously
/. that the boat may not lose It's balance.
Also, whether in picking up anything
from the water or in helping a swim
mer 1T is advisable to use the stern
and not the side.
When a boat is capsized do not try
to climb into it again. 1t will sustain
you easily If you just lean on it. as
will any fair sized piece of wreckage
like an oar. spar, or a board. but at
tempt to climb over them and they
will surely sink with you. And, speak
ing about this, when you are being
helped or towed do not hang on TO
your rescuer or boat with bent arms
as this draws the body up and offers
great resistance. Outstretched arms
will increase your chances of getting
ashOra