An Improved Apparatus and Improved Methods for the Teaching of Swimming to either Individuals or Classes, whether in or out of the Water.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 10th June, 1895
Complete Specification Left, 10th Mar., 1896-Accepted, 6th June, 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus and Improved Methods for the Teaching of
Swimming to either Individuals or Classes, whether in or out
of the Water.
WILLIAM JAMES NORLEY Public Swimming Baths, Park Road Portsmouth,
Superintendent of the Public Baths, Park Road, Portsmouth, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My improved apparatus for tuition in water, consists of the following parts,
viz::-
(1) A pole, or, a series of poles, to span across the width of a swimming bath,
pond, or stream.
(2) Pieces of rope, each about two yards in length, secured by its centre to the
pole at distances of about five feet, both ends being free.
(3) Pieces of broad webbing having an eyelet hole in each end, & attached to
alternate loose ends of rope secured to pole, thereby forming a number of loops,
or bights, under the pole.
(4 Square blocks of wood, each having a triangular groove or sinking formed
in the top of the same running from face to face, the internal angle of which
passes through the centre of the block to form rests, for ends of each pole, to
prevent the same from slipping or twisting round.
(5) Square blocks of wood, for placing under the rests, to support the apparatus
when it is required to be at a higher level.
(6) Small pieces of rope, about two feet in length, one end being secured to
the pole, while the other end hangs down in the centre of each loop, to enable the
pupil to easily assume the proper position in the said loop.
Another modification of my apparatus, is for the purpose of, not only giving
tuition in the, theory of swimming, but also for enabling the instructor to correct,
or teach the movements of swimming while both teacher & learner are on land, &
without requiring either of them to go into the water for that purpose. It
consists of
(1) A wooden bench, or table about eighteen inches square, & about three feet
high, with a sloping top, the front edge of which is about six inches lower than the
back edge, used for the purpose of giving illustrations of the various movements
to a class of learners.
(2) Trestles of wood of about same height as the table, & with a similar
slope.
(3) A top, to form with the said trestles a slanting bench, for a number of pupils
to practise on, the width being about eighteen inches, & the length varying with
the number of pupils.
The methods, or drills, for learners are two in number.
(1st) A method to enable a pupil to get into, or, out of any loop on the pole
without assistance from the teacher, while the pole spans the water. This consists
of two parts.
(Drill, a,) For getting into the loop, and
(Drill, b,) For getting out of the loop.

page_text: or out of the water. It consists mainly, of four principal series of movements,
2.-
(a) The exercise for the lower limbs, wherein the several movements of these
limbs are distinguished from other actions of the body, by simply naming
the movements.
(b) An exercise for the arms, the actions of which are distinguished from
cther movements of the body by means of numbers.
(c) The regulation of the breathing at the proper time of stroke.
(d) The art of combining together the different actions of the upper & lower
limbs, so as to ensure the correct time of the stroke.
Dated this Eighth day of June 1895.
An Improved Apparatus and Improved Methods for the Teaching of
Swimming to either Individuals or Classes, whether in or out
of the Water.
I, WILLIAM JAMES NORLEY of the Public Swimming Baths, Park Road,
Portsmouth, in the County of Hants, Superintendent of Public Baths, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention has for its object the facilitation of tuition in the art of swimming,
and consists in an improved apparatus by the use of which a new method of
teaching swimming is rendered possible. The apparatus is such that it may be
used either in the preliminary movements which are practiced out of the water, or
in the more advanced exercises which are conducted while the swimmer is immersed
in water.
"
The system of teaching is carried out as a drill such as is fully described in
detail in a book written by myself entitled "Norley's Technique of Natation
and for the purpose of convenient distinction, I have divided it into two parts.
The first of these relates to the act of getting into and out of the loops employed
in my apparatus; and the second consists of a complete system of instruction in
the art and science of swimming, and may be conducted either in or out of the water,
while the pupil or pupils are supported by the loops or by the benches or by the
trestles and tops hereinafter described. The system of instruction comprises the
following exercises :-
are
(a) An exercise for the lower limbs, wherein the several movements
distinguished from other actions of the body by simply naming the movements.
(b) An exercise for the arms, the actions of which are distinguished from other
movements of the body by means of numbers.
(c) An exercise for the regulation of the breathing so as to synchronize with the
stroke.
(d) An exercise to teach the art of combining together the different movements
of the upper and lower limbs so as to ensure the correct time of the stroke.
Each of the loops which form part of the apparatus is intended to support one
pupil passing underneath the arms and having the upper part of his chest bearing
upon it.
In order that my invention may be fully understood and ascertained" I append
drawings in which :-
Fig. 1 is a transverse section of a swimming bath. with one, of my apparatuses.fixed
across it.

page_text: rope bight, and one end of a webbing band.
Fig. 3 shews a ring.
Fig. 4 shews a spring hook.
Figs. 5, 6, and 7 shew blocks for supporting the pole.
Fig. 8 shews two poles placed end to end.
Fig. 9 shews a shackle for joining same.
Fig. 10 shews an alternative method of supporting a pole.
Fig. 11 shews a bench as used in teaching swimming.
Fig. 12 shews a trestle as used in teaching swimming, and
Fig. 13 shews a top for use with same.
Figs. 14, 15, and 16 shew details of construction.
In Fig. 1 is shewn, stretching from side to side, or end to end of a swimming
bath a pole A, the ends being supported in any convenient manner but preferably
by the devices hereinafter shewn and described with reference to Figs. 5, 6, and 7.
The pole A may be arranged at any convenient distance above the surface of the
water, in all cases sufficient space being left underneath it for the pupils or
swimmers to get into and out of the loops without touching the pole. At cou-
venient distances apart the pole has a number of metallic hoops or bands a encircling
it, and the ends a¹ of each of these being perforated as shewn in Fig. 3, the upper
end of a spring hook B as shewn in Fig. 4 can be passed through the holes thus
suspending the hook B in such manner that it can easily be removed from or
replaced in position. Into the lower end of the spring hook B is spliced a rope b
the other end of which is spliced to an eyelet c in one end of a piece of broad
webbing which forms a supporting band C; and each end of this being attached
to a different hook and hoop upon the pole it depends from the latter in such
manner as to form loops or bights of a size which is suitable to contain a pupil, or
both ends of a loop may be attached to the same spring hook, or to any convenient
points. Between each two of the metallic bands a is fixed a similar band d, and
to this either directly or by means of an interposed spring hook or the like, is
attached a loose end of rope D which is so arranged as to be conveniently grasped
by the pupil when getting into or out of the loop C, or in reaching it from the
side of the bath.
The pole is supported at its ends by blocks E in which are cut V shaped
grooves e in which rests the pole, each of the ends of which has an eyebolt a³.
When the pole is to be brought near to the surface of the water the underside of
these blocks E rest upon the floor of the bath, but when it is required to raise the
pole, plain blocks F can be placed under each of the blocks E of a suitable
thickness. When a pole is required to span a small bath only, the end
supports will be found sufficient, but where a very long or weak pole is used its
centre may be supported by a block and tackle G or any other convenient
device.
Where the apparatus is to be used in an exceptionally long or wide bath or
in a pond or stream I find it preferable to employ a number of poles disposed end
to end instead of a single pole, and in Figs. 8 and 9 part of two poles A so
disposed, and the method of joining the same is shewn. The end of each pole has
an eyebolt a attached to it, and these being brought close together, the shackle H
is placed across the two, the bolt is passed through both eyebolts as well as
through the holes in the ends of the shackle. Into the shackle any convenient
kind of block or other tackle can be hooked, for the purpose of supporting the
poles, and the bolt h can be held in its position by its end being screwed into one
of the holes in the shackle. The other parts of the apparatus are the same as
shewn in and described with Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4.
In Fig. 10 the pole A is shewn as supported by two blocks and tackles K one
being fastened to and supporting each end. The pole in this case is suspended
froin any convenient part of the roof or building; the loops C and their attachments
remaining as before.

page_text: may be
Instead of using iron bands or hoops a and spring hooks B, the rope
passed round and secured to the pole A; the hoops and hooks being used only for
the convenience of attachment and detachment.
The preliminary lessons in swimming in which the pupil is instructed how to
make the movements of both upper and lower limbs in the most advantageous
manner, can be best accomplished while both pupil and teacher are out of the water.
For this purpose I use either a stool as shewn in Fig. 11 or a trestle and top 1 (as
shewn in Figs. 12 and 13) to form a table; in either case the part L as well as the
top is sloped so as to form a convenient rest for a pupil, and enable him to make
freely all the movements required.
In Figs. 16, 14, and 15 is shewn a convenient manner of constructing a stool
(as shewn in Fig. 11), Fig. 16 being plan of under-side, Fig. 14 a leg, and Fig. 15
a block N, three of these being fixed to the under-side of the top L and bored
and screw-threaded so as to receive the screwed ends of the legs M. By adopting
this method of construction a conveniently portable stool or trestle can be
produced.
The methods or drills for learners are two in number viz. :-
1st. A drill to enable a pupil to get into, or out of any loop on the pole without
assistance from the teacher.
2nd. A system of instruction for persons in the science of natation, either in,
or out of the water.
1st. THE DRILL TO GET INTO, OR OUT OF THE LOOP.
(a) TO GET INTo the loop when the appaRATUS IS IN A SWIMMING
BATH.
Stoop down, while facing the water at the end of a pole, and grasp the nearest
rope on it with one hand, and with the other hand placed on the top edge of the
bath, lower the body down into the water until the head is just underneath the
pole, then while holding on tightly to the rope with one hand, slip the other hand
away from the edge of the bath and catch hold, of the next rope on the pole, to
the one you have got hold of already, and so on, going along the pole by the
ropes hand over hand until you come to the loop required, then seize hold of the
small piece of rope hanging down in the centre of the loop, with both hands and
the loop will drop under the body close up underneath the arms; next, lower
the body down until the loop takes the whole weight and entirely supports the
person, then let go the rope and place both hands together in front, and the body
will at once commence to assume the horizontal position, when the system of
instruction can be taught.
6) TO GET OUT OF THE LOOP WHEN THE APPARATUS IS IN A SWIMMING
BATH.
Catch hold of the small piece of rope hanging down from the pole in the centre
of the loop with both hands and raise the body up until the head nearly touches
the pole, then let go one hand and grasp the rope next to you and nearest to that
side of the bath that it is intended for you to get up by, and so on, going back
hand over hand as you came, when near the side of the bath, place one hand on
the edge of it and raise the body up, as in a "band spring" until the person can
kneel on the side of the bath then step up.
Caution-
-On no account must the pupils be allowed to take hold of the pole
while performing this drill, as it not only places additional weight on it, but also
materially interferes with the pupils easily assuming their position in the loop, as
it has a tendency to bring the feet towards the front of their bodies through being
too high out of the water and thus in a measure counteracting the simplicity of
the method.
1.

page_text: Note: The above drills are given for the apparatus when used in a swimming
bath, but the same principle of getting in, or out of the loops are applicable if the
apparatus is placed anywhere else.
It is sometimes necessary especially with children to drill them in and out of
the loops several times, before commencing the actual movements of swimming in
the water.
2nd. A system of instruction for persons in the science of natation, either in, or
out of the water. This consists mainly of four principal series of movements.
How THE APPARATUS IS TO BE USED.
When first starting tuition with beginners, the apparatus must be blocked well
up until the belts or loops are entirely clear of the water, after the first or second
lesson it can be lowered until the centre of the loops are just on the surface of the
water, as the pupils advance in their drill they will also increase in confidence and
getting used to the water as well as their position in the belt, while the course of
Jessons are proceeding the apparatus should be still lowered until there is scarcely
any weight on it, and then it will be found that the pupil in each loóp will be at
his own buoyancy (so called) in the water, this is of vital importance as it is really
necessary for one to float in a horizontal position on the breast, before one could
possibly swim a single stroke in the apparatus, otherwise, after the pupils have
received the course of lessons, and are enabled to perform the movements of
swimming while in the belt, yet if they tried to swim by themselves without the
apparatus, they would probably find that they were either too low in the water, or
else their head would dip entirely underneath the surface, the moment they try to
assume the flat posture on the chest.
The apparatus at the cominencement of a course of lessons to learners, does two
things. 1st. It entirely supports the pupils suspended in it, and 2nd it keeps them
in their proper relative positions to each other, and thereby economises the space
in the bath, besides which it keeps them close and uniform together so that the
instructor can observe the whole class as easily as he could. one pupil and at the
same time he is entirely free himself not having to support his pupil, or to go into
the water as with the other methods of teaching. But at the finish of the course
of instruction every learner should be practically supporting himself by his own
buoyancy, the apparatus merely keeping each one in his correct position and
distance from one another, so that one cannot in any way interfere with another's
movement or action of swimming.
The advantages of using my apparatus are many, and amongst others not the
least important is that a large number can be instructed at the same time, in some
cases as many as sixty have been simultaneously drilled and instructed in natation ;
whereas in the ordinary methods a teacher can take only one pupil at a time.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An apparatus to be used in teaching swimming; consisting essentially of a
pole, which can be extended horizontally across a swimming bath and a number of
strips of webbing, or other similar suitable material attached to and depending
from the pole in such manner as to form loops for supporting the pupil, substantially
as described and shewn.
2. An apparatus to be used in teaching swimming consisting essentially of a pole
which can be extended horizontally across a swimming bath, a number of strips of
webbing or other similar suitable material attached to and depending from the pole
n such manner as to form loops for supporting the pupil, and a depending rope in the
centre of or midway between each loop, for the purpose of enabling a pupil to get
into and out of the loops, substantially as described and shewn.
3. In an apparatus for use in teaching swimming the combination of a pole A,

page_text: supports E, F, for the same, the bands a, the spring hooks B, the ropes b, and the
looped bands C, all arranged in the manner and for the purpose hereinbefore
described.
4. In an apparatus for use in teaching swimming the combination of a number
of poles, arranged, connected, and supported substantially in the manner and for
the purpose described and shewn in Figs. 8, 9, and 10.
5. The system or method of tuition in swimming by the use of the apparatus
herein described and claimed, which method may be directed and conducted by
means of numbers and words substantially as herein described.
6. The system or method of tuition in swimming by the use of the apparatus
herein described and claimed, whereby the art of swimming may be entirely taught
before entering the water, substantially as described.
7. For use in the system or method herein before described and claimed, the
stool, or trestles and table, substantially as shewn and described with reference to
Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
Dated this 29th day of February 1896.
WILLIAM JAMES NORLEY.