ARTIFICIAL AIDS TO SWIMMING.
The use of mechanical contrivances as a means of acquiring the art of swimming should be avoided as far as possible. There are numer ous inventions of this kind, such as cork floats, etc. The most vener able, and at the same time valueless, are the cork floats or buoys, some thing after the style of the old-fashioned life-preservers. The writer remembers a case which occurred to a shipmate who, being desirous of learning the art, had recourse to one of the ship's life-preservers to assist him in making for the shore ; but the float slipped from its place, and, losing all self-control, lie sank head foremost—the life preserver catching on his feet, effectually prevented him rising, and he would have perished had I not rescued him from his perilous posi tion. With artificial aids a man can but be buoyed up. The art of swimming, when once acquired on correct principles„ enables one to buoy himself, and move in any direction he wills instantaneously.
This skill once acquired cannot be forgotten. The use of artificial aids, however good they may be, leaves less freedom of action to the body than is the case when they are dispensed with, and the learner who desires to swim with grace and ease is placed at a disadvantage by their use. Their use not only destroys the spirit of self-reliance, but actually fosters timidity, and leads to incapacity in case of emergency. Artificial aids have a tendency to tempt boys to venture beyond their depth before they can swim, and I do not think it possible to learn to swim successfully by their use. This brings us to the consideration of the aid afforded by a line, one end of which is secured around the chest of the learner, and the other being held by the teacher. A full description of this legitimate means of teachiig this useful accomplishment will be found elsewhere.