New-York tribune., 1921-07-10
By L. de B. Handley

VA formed within the last few weeks by
w Americas leading water queens,
Miss Ethelda Beibtrey and Miss
Charlotte Boyle, of this city, draw attention to
the most remarkable aquatic organization that
ever existed-the Women's Swimming Associ-
alton Of New York.
This thriving body of fair natators, which
has harbored since novicehood both the noted
mernaids. at present numbers among its rae
ing stars the holders of three Olympic cham
pionships and the worlds recordists at all but
enc of the classic free-style swimming dis
tancos
Stop for moment to consider what that
means.
Notwithstanding the wonderful group of
American and foreign champions gathered at
Antwerp last summer, the representatives OF
this one club not only captured three of the
four Individual Olympic titles at stake but
they actually scored enough points by tnen-
selves to win the meet for the United States
without the aid of the other girls on our team;
and in spite of the great fleet of famous mer-
maids who are constantly striving for record
laurels in every land, members of this same
club are able to claim, with one exception, the
fastest times ever made officially by women
swimmers for all standard courses. 1t means,
in nutshell, that single handed, the local
association has gained world leadership io
swimming for women.
But the strangest feature of the amazing
success achieved is that the organization does
not make competition it's chief aim. 1t was
formed to encourage all girls and women to
learn to swim as guard against the DANGER
of drowning then to practise swimming TOR
health and physical Improvement, and the par
ticular purpose was to provide for members OF
the sex competent, up-to-date instruction az
rates low enough to enable even those IN very
modest circumstances to take advantage. In
this it has fulfilled admirably its mission, for
nearly three thousand able swimmers OF all
ages have been graduated from its classes
since it was launched in December, 1917.
Moreover, these pupils profted materially
physically and, quite apart lEoih Inc 0SAA PN~
lection afforded them by the skill acquired
they were able in many instances to rescue
drowning people, rendering invaluable service
to humanity thereby.
The development of a champion racing team
was partly the outcome of circumstances
though not wholly for the far-seeing organizers
did not overlook the Importance OF wafer
sports as a means of attracting pubic ae1eh'
ton to swimming for women and making re
cruits so they planned to foster competitor
from the very start. On the other hand, unex
pected obstacles encountered in carrying ou
the original scheme necessitated the adoptlo1
of the operating system, which has contrlpu
ted in large measure to the production O.
great stars.
When the ffty-odd charter members under
tocz to hire pcol fc- club use and engag
able professional instructors they found thel
meager resources totally inadequate, and
was then they conceived the idea of elimlnat
ing the biggest item of expense, wages an
salaries, by running the venture on who'll
cooperative basis.
For this purpose the few experienced con
testants in the group induced prominent anna
teur watermen to work out comprehenslv
course of elementary and advanced instruc
ton, then give them practical schooling in It
use, and, thus fitted, they enrolled as a volun
teer teaching staff. Otbsrs. meanwhile. as