THE NECESSITY OF CONFIDENCE.
The one indispensable requisite in learning the art of swimming is absolute confidence in the power of the water to support the human body upon its surface; this confidence once acquired, all the rest is comparatively easy. As swimming is considered the most necessary accomplishment of almost all out-door sports, every person should try to overcome any fear they may have entertained regarding the water, so as to take pleasure in its liquid depths. Some brave young fellows take to the water as naturally as a " duck," and are able to swim in from one to five lessons. Others keep shy of the water until the use and practice wears off the aversion. They have no confidence, and so they are retarded in acquiring the art, and it is this that tries the patience of the teacher—he has ten times more trouble with a timid youth than with a one. These timid youths are the bane of a teacher's existence ; they require the greatest care and attention in teaching. Every direction has to be repeated again and again, until the teacher's patience is well nigh exhausted. They should be treated with kindness and forbearance, for if an impatient word is uttered, or they are " ducked " or ill-used, they will go away discouraged, giv ing up all hope of the art. Every effort should be made by the
teacher to enable them to overcome their timidity. Then only will they be able to receive instruction, and act upon it, for after they have acquired confidence they enjoy every attempt that brings them nearer perfection in this noble art. In direct contrast to these timid youths, are the courageous ones who plunge fearlessly into the water, obeying every direction given by the swimming master with alacrity. These brave youths are a positive boon to the teacher, inspiring him with the belief that his care and attention will be eventually rewarded; they are possessed of a strong desire to become good swimmers, and do all in their power to obtain a thorough knowledge of the art by paying strict attention to the orders of the teacher, and following them to the best of their ability.
These are the youths who, if properly handled, soon become good and successful swimmers, able to carry off a certificate in any swim ming school. With such material a first-class swimming club can be established that will hold its own against all comers.