SWIMMING ON THE BACK.
This accomplishment is very easy to acquire, and not only most bef ul, but may be said to be indispensable to those who have to swim long distances, or remain for a considerable time in the water, as it can be performed with greater ease than any other method.
While swimming on the breast, as described in the previous chapter, you can turn on your back in the deepest water, by throwing up the left hand out of the water, and pressing the right downwards in the water, this will turn you completely over instantly ; then allow the head to fall back until the water is level with the ears, this will bring the face and chest above the surface of the water; then place your arms " akimbo " with the palms resting on your hips, and draw your knees up laterally at right angles with the body, bringing the feet close together (see. Fig. 6), then kick the legs ahead until the force of the effort is exhausted. You can vary the movement of the arms, by throwing them forward with the hands held " concave " like a spoon-shaped oar, sweeping them down toward the side with a semi-circular motion (see Fig. 9), or you may hold one or
both arms perfectly upright out of the water at pleasure. In orna mental swimming some contestants hold flags in their hands, and swim in this manner over the entire course (see Fig. 10.) Again you can fold your arms across the chest, a la Napoleon (see Fig. 11), or behind your back, if so disposed ; this will give the chest an additional elevation of two or three inches above the water (see Fig. 12) ; or you may stretch the hands straight in advance of the head, locking the thumbs together (see Fig. 13).
In addition to these methods you can add another, by keeping the hands straight before the head, but widely apart (see Fig. 14) ; or you may clasp them behind the head, with the elbows at right angles, continuing the progressive movement (see Fig. 15).