Evening star., 1928-04-01
BOYS GIVEN CHANCE
TOLEARN TO SWIM
The Star and Y. M. C. A. to
Launch Campaign of
Free instruction.

Summertime, with its lure of the OF
swimmin' hole. Is in the offing.
The lure of the shady swimmin' hole
in some neglected nook Of the Potomac
or It's tributaries is particularly strong
for boys OF Washington and vicinity
In view Of the dearth OF public, prop
crly supervised swimming places.
Lurking In these inviting hooks and
holes, however, are grim hazards to
which boys. in the exnberance of youth,
are unmindful. unsupported kettle
bottoms" swift currents or hidden
channels constitute a constant threat
to the lad who, though unable to swim.
seeks relief from the sweltering sun in
the cooling waters before him.
Last Summer eight boys under 18
years of age lost their lives by drown
ing In nearby waters, according to po-
lice records. Most of these deaths re-
suited from inability to swim. They
occurred during extremely hot weather.
The year before there were seven deaths
under like circumstances.
VIII Teach Boys to Swim.
With a view to lessening the number
Of drownings among boys during the
coming Summer, The Star and the
Young Mems Christian Association have
Joined in an intensive campaign 10
teach boys how to swim. The drive will
be launched In connection with the
annual learn to swim" campaign Ot
the boys department of the Y. M. G. A
1t will begin April and will continue
for four days
The courses. to be held In the boys
swimming pool of the Y. M. c. A. at
1882 G street, viii be open to all white
boys between the ages of 10 and 18
years residing In the District Of
Columbia or nearby Maryland and
Virginia. There will be absolutely no
cost involved to any one and applicants
need not even bring bathing suit or
towel.
All that Is necessary is to fill In one
OF the application coupons printed to-
day and during the ensuing week and
mail to the boys department of the
Y. M G. A.. as directed. Then be on
hand when the campaign begins on
the morning Of April 0, at $50 o'clock
Purposes of Drive.
The purpose of the drive is to in
terest as large a group Of boys as pos
sible in swimming for the following
reasons:
L. For the pleasure involved.
2. In order better to equip boys to
take care of themselves in the event OF
a water accident.
3. In order so to equip boys that
they may save the lives of others
All OF the instruction viii take place
in the boys Y. NJ C. A. pool under
competent ~ ofiicials--the Y. M. G..
A, furnishing all equipment. The cam
paign will be directed by William w
Wilson, boys physical director Of the
association. and the actual instruction
will be given by Leland w. Chandler,
swimming expert There will be nine
instruction periods Of as minutes each
daily during the four-day drive.
Official Red Cross beginners but
tons" will be awarded every one of the
boys who successfully complete the
course. To win this button the novice
must have demonstrated his ability TO
swim so feet.
Number Of Applicants Unlimited.
Last year, according TO Director VIII
son. more than 500 boys took the In
struction course and OF this number
235 learned TO swim and were awarded
the coveted buttons. This year II is
hoped that at least 500 boys will en-
roll. The Y. M. c. A. has set no limit
on the number OF applicants, and. If
necessary. the campaign period win be
extended.
Ths sole objective OF the crusade Is
TO tit as many boys as possible 10 face
the dangers which they may meet this
Summer or In later life while in the
water. The Star realizes that boys
will be boys" and that many. In their
impetuousness, forget their tneapaci-
ties in the excitement OF an afternoon
with friends along the river. An IN
nocuous ''wading party" often turns
into a swimming contest. or the mex
perienced boy wades over his head,
and suddenly the cries OF laughter are
chilled into cries Of terror as younger
celebrant feels himself sinking beneath
the surface.
This has happened time and again
In the past. It happened on several
occasions last year. and the year be-
fore It may happen again the coming
season.
Can Lessen Accidents.
But II every boy Is taught the rudi-
mentary principles Of water wisdom,
the accidents should not be so frequent.
Bows who now are helpless In the water
should be I'm a position this Summer to
swim at least short distances and IN
addition. perhaps. TO aid stricken
comrades
The Star urges every boy In the city
and Its suburbs who is not now able
TO swim TO clip out without delay the
coupon and mail 1t In TO the Y, NJ. @. A,
Parents are asked TO cooperate In pro-
tccting the interests and safeguarding
the lives OF their children. Further
details of the campaign win be given
later. II is important that applicants
for the courses file their names as soon
as possible. so that officials In charge
of the instruction may arrange sched-
ule of classes.
Don't let your name be added 10 the
list OF those whose lives have been need
lessly sacrificed because OF lack OF ability
to take care Of themselves In the water