ANOTHER METHOD OF RESCUE. When nearing a drowning person, the rescuer must try to get to his back, not, however, putting off too much time in trying this, then by diving under him, use both hands to throw water on his face and eyes, this will have the effect of blinding, or to some extent stupifying him, when he may be caught at once. The rescuer must now catch him between elbow and shoulders, with both hands, keeping the palms of his own hands facing inward, that is with fingers over the front and thumbs round the back part of the drowning person's arms. Let him now turn on his back, and with the rescued one above him, with his face upward, swim with the legs performing the plain movements. (See Plate XII.) The recommendations of this method are, that the speed when carrying a person when swimming on the back is greater than when on .the chest or side, and using one hand to support the weight.
The rescuer's position gives him full control over all the movements of the person who is being sup ported, while the rescued one is inspired with confidence, as his mouth, and, in fact, the whole of his face and head, is kept clear of the water; the strong grip with which he is held also adds to this feeling of security. No matter how powerful the struggling person may be, he will find it a hard task indeed to turn round on his rescuer once he is master of this method.
Should the drowning person have his clothes on, the rescuer will find the work of obtaining a catch and keeping it one of comparatively greater ease. Let him catch the collar of coat or vest or the neckband of shirt with the one hand, at the same instant, catch the arm or sleeve of the coat, turn on the back .as before and swim to the landing point.