A CHAT WITH THE LADIES.
Ladies number largely among the excursionists that crowd the many pleasure steamers which throng our harbors, and patronize the numerous flotillas of small boats that are to be found at every lake and seaside resort in Canada, and surely the saving of their lives is a matter worth taking into consideration. The writer has, therefore, deemed it advisable to address this chapter to ladies especially, with the hope that they will derive benefit from the perusal of ,it.
Women and girls are usually so terrified when they find themselves precipitated into the water that they lose all self-control, and cling frantically to some person who is trying to save them, thus greatly endangering the would-be rescuer's life, even though lie be an expert swimmer.
I can speak from experience in this matter, for among the many persons whom it has been my privilege to rescue at various times, were a number of ladies, who invariably clung to me in such a manner as greatly to impede my progress and endanger both their lives and my own.
Regarding the best style of bathing-suit for ladies, the accom panying full-page illustration gives front and back view of the most popular bathing costume. It is generally known as the combination suit, i.e., the drawers and waist are in one piece. The skirt being an extra garment, to be worn to and from the water, and removed while in the water. My lady pupils usually followed this method, as it gave them the greatest freedom in their swimming exercises. This neat bathing dress can be braided or otherwise ornamented, according to the taste of the fair wearer.
Many of my young lady pupils found it advantageous to dispense 'with the short sleeves altogether, leaving the armholes simply like a gentleman's vest, with colored binding added, according to taste. This is certainly a decided improvement, as it gives much greater freedom to the arms and shoulders while swimming. Shoes ought always to be at hand in the event of the shore being rough or pebbly, and to avoid all accidents.