TO UNDRESS ON THE SURFACE OF THE WATER Lie still, as when resting, by beating the water with each foot alternately.
Commence to undress by taking off the left boot or shoe — using the right hand to loosen the laces or buttons — beating the water with the right foot and sculling with the left hand. When the fastenings are loosened, use both hands in pulling off the shoe or boot—keeping the lungs well inflated when doing so. To take off the other repeat with the opposite set of limbs. When the boots and socks or stockings have been removed, unbutton the coat and vest and take them off in the ordinary way at the back, the feet beating the water the while.
The most difficult part of the operation is in divesting one's self of trousers. This is, how ever, comparatively easy, if one is careful enough not to gather them into a bundle when turning off at the heels. Of course they have to be re
moved from one leg at a time. If the left leg is taken first, use the right hand to push and pull the trouser down, beating the water with the right foot and left hand. Repeat vice versa. To remove the shirt, beat the water with both feet alternately; begin by loosening the wristbands, then neckband or collar; gather the garment in front up to the neck or breast, and by a quick and sure movement lift the whole over the head, pulling the hands and arms out of the garment, which by this time is at one's back.
The whole suit has thus been removed, and if the operation is well done the head need not be under water at all.
To take off the clothes in the water in the manner described is worth practising, as no one knows how soon he may have occasion to prove its utility.