Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1940-11-22
PROGRAM OF THE
AQUATICS WAS
S SUCCESSFUL
Worcester Red Cross Swimming
School Summer OF 1910,
Large And Satisfactory
A POOL is NEEDED FOR
FURTHERANCE OF WORK

VI Vic worcester county Red Cross,
summer of 1910, shows that it was
undoubtedly the largest and most
successful program yet given. How
ever, it is hoped that it is by no
means the termination of possibilities
in developing this field of Red Cross
work which has been rather neglected
in the past few years. The accom-
plishments of this summers program
should be an inspiration to start
countrywide interest in this fascina-
ting and instructive work in water
safety. A record of the deaths in
Worcester County resulting from
water accidents should in no little
way explain the Importance of in
struction in water safety to adults
as we'll as to children. Yet this is
not the chief reason for having an
aquatic program in Red Cross work.
Our county bathing and swimming
spots show wildly that redblooded
Americans seek the water for recrea-
ton during the hot months, and there
is no better form of recreation. There
fore, another aim of the Red Cross
is to arouse universal interest in this
clean, wholesome, refreshing sport
and at the same time, to make it one
of the safest sports.
The course was conducted at Pub
lie Landing, Maryland, from August
IL to August 26, from 900 to 1900
A. M. Students from Pocomoke were
carried by bus and those from Snow
Hill by bus and car. There were al
so students from other points of the
county.
The four classes were: Beginner,
in which the student was acclimated
to the water and learned to swim at
least Is feet.
intermediate, where the student
learned the swimming theory and
fundamental advanced swimming
strokes. A five-minute swim was al
so the accomplishment of individuals
who passed this course.
Swimmer, where the student learn
ed and passed vigorous advanced
swimming strokes and perfect CO.
ordination.
Advanced Swimmer, this class be-
ing taught all standard American
swimming strokes as we'll as the Red
Cross methods of life-saving. One
who has passed this course has pass
ed the final stage of instruction of
the Red Cross program and he is
very good swimmer. He is ready to
perfect his own strokes and be a pio-
neer to explore new regions in SWIM
ming and diving art.
Actual enrolment of the classes
did not exceed 70, although instruc-
ton was given some days to well over
100 pupils. Those who received GER
tificates were by no means all who
received instruction in the classes.
Only those who passed their final
tests received their. certificates and
are ready to enlist in the next highest
class. Those who did not pass the
test will again study in the same
group next summer. The number of
certificates awarded was: Beginner,
Is; intermediate, IA; Swimmer, 9;
Advanced, 1.
All of the students who partici-
pated seemed to enjoy the work and
were eager to cooperate with the in
structor.
One who witnessed some of the
swimming classes this summer would
realize that future programs will be
greatly limited because of the lack
of proper place at which to carry
out the program. With due respect
to the place where the course was
conducted this summer, it must still
be realized that it is wholly unsuited.
There were some days when waves,
mud, and insects greatly hampered
the students and the instructors. Be-
ginners' classes could not be conduct
ed properly because the water level
Especially on rough days) made it
hazardous. Life-saving classes which
are an important part of the program
had to be neglected because the water
had not the proper depth and diving
instruction could not be given for the
same reason.
The success of this summers
course of instruction clearly shows
the eagerness on the part of the
young people of Worcester County to
apply themselves to developing sound
bodies and clean minds in the pursuit
of a proper recreational life. These
young people have challenged the
the adults to provide them with a
proper place at which to carry on
this part ofb uilding better America
In plain words, a pool is needed and