enter into water the depth of which you are not familiar with, unless
you can swim, and in any event do not venture far into strange water
unless you are accompanied by a companion as skillful as yourself.

Big boys, as a rule, are glad to help the smaller ones, and in this
way they teach by assuring confidence and showing by example how the
thing can be done.

Planks, floats, bladders and other artificial contrivances are advised
by some, but after swimming for years in nearly all the waters of the
world, I cannot endorse such doubtful assistance. As one cannot
actually swim when supported in this way, it is far better to start in
without them.

There must be a beginning, and it should be made in the easiest and
most sensible way.

A GOOD WAY

With your back to the shore and the water almost up to the armpits,
bend your knees till the water nearly reaches the chin. Then gradually
throw your bead back as far as it will go, until the base of the skull
is immersed and the water covers your ears. Now stretch your arms
backwards behind your head, at their fullest extent, the palms
uppermost and slightly hollowed. Take a full breath, and swelling out
the chest, give a little push off the bottom with both feet. Keep your
mouth shut, as, perhaps for an instant only, the water will ripple on
your face as the head takes its position, and then you will find your
legs, which must be stiffened and separated. In this position you will
float for a second, moving the while towards the shore. Then the water