AN immense work is being accomplished in these days in the way of prevention against loss of life, both by sea and by land; but we may still hope for extensive improvements as experience and science arm our great philanthropic societies with new and improved methods of dealing with world-old and ever-recurring perils.

Among the most successful of modern appliances for Saving Life from Shipwreck, we must, of course, place the Life-boat; but great as have been its triumphs, it is a matter of grave question whether much that has been achieved would not have resulted in a larger roll of saved, fewer gallant souls have been lost from among the Life-boat crews, and fewer men torn by the storm from among rescued crews, if only the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTI- TUTION could have insured that every volunteer who manned its boats knew how to swim! To many persons it will doubtless appear as one of the strangest of strange things that a life-boatman should be unable to swim ; but the fact is that the bulk of the Life-boat crews are fisher- men, boatmen, and beachmen, part of the population residing on our coasts, and a vast number of these people are unable to swim. On some parts of the coasts it may almost be considered unusual to find more than half-a-dozen men in an ordi- nary village who can perform that seem- ingly most necessary and natural feat.

And so it is that where everything, which science and experience have taught, has been effected, and every point of danger watched, there remains this defect in the qualification of some of the crews—a defect which cannot fail, as we have said, to have a somewhat deterring effect, direct or indirect, on all efforts to rescue life by the Life-boat.

But it is not alone among the Life-boat crews this is to be regretted; one may see the results sometimes among the crowd who assist—or encumber—rocket brigades at a wreck, or even among the brigade men themselves, when, as is not unusual, it becomes necessary to press down through the surf as closely as possible to the wreck, in order that the rocket line might reach her; and then ensues the danger of the would-be rescuers being washed off their legs every moment. And, again, one sees the swimmer, the man who feels himself at home in the water, ready to face peril to assist the work; and one sees, also, the man—notwithstanding his life-belt—who has not learned to swim, so unwilling to expose himself to the chance of the surf overtaking him, and thus be- coming rather worse than useless in the strife.

One sees it in the crews of the stranded coasting craft and larger ships, too, for that matter, who in too many sad in- stances hang on to the rigging of wrecks, with a Life-boat tossing about within a few feet of them, unable to close in because of wreckage, and the life-boatmen vainly imploring them to drop into the water and be picked up before the masts fall and all are washed away.

One sees the difference, also, in the eager, and often gallant, crowd of helpers, or beachers, who rush into the surf on wild nights to launch our Life-boats; and, finally, although not being able to swim has probably never yet checked a man in taking an oar in a Life-boat, as a matter of fact it has been detrimental to the service they have been engaged on—that all of them could not swim.

It has been said that it is unimportant for a life-boatman, who always wears a life-belt, to be a swimmer, because the belt will render his sinking impossible; but that, for many reasons, is a mistake ; for it is rarely the case that a life-boat- man who is washed away from his boat finds it sufficient that he should simply float. He may float about aimlessly till his strength fails, and he perishes from exhaustion and cold. It is all-important that he should exert himself to win some refuge before that time comes.

Let us take the case of a boat pulling off an open beach against a storm: it has forced its way one hundred yards or so, and suddenly meets with the real fall of the sea, where the deeper water meets the first of the shallows; a great sea rolls in over the bow, breaks some oars, and washes a couple of men out of the boat (and on some parts of the coast such an incident would be regarded as not unusual on ordinary Life-boat service), one man, who can swim, turns at the boat as she surges astern with the sea, and is speedily clutched and hauled on board; the «on-swimmer is, in all probability, facing any way but the right, and is really powerless to propel himself in any given direction. Then commences a chase on the part of the Life-boat, which can only " back astern" cautiously, and will pro- bably not come within reach of the drift- ing man till he is within the line of the broken surf on the beach, where he will be tossed about and rolled over, till the chances of his surviving are small in- deed.

It will be noticed that, apart from the danger to the man who cannot swim, the whole crew are imperilled, and the Life- boat is delayed on her errand of mercy.

One of the curious points in considera- tion of this question is the causes that lead to the neglect of the art of swimming by our coast population.

Not long ago a naval officer was in a Life-boat on the eastern coast, on board of which were more than twenty men, and scarcely half of them would own ability to swim. In fact "all hands" seemed to regard it more as an amiable weakness that a man should swim, rather than as a necessary accomplishment for every boatman. In a discussion which ensued, it appeared that the old super- stition, that good swimmers were always drowned, is still rife. "It is better," some said, "not to prolong the agonies of the death struggle, but to have it all over quietly when the time comes," and several like sentiments were bandied about. Such ideas must be held to account for some of the dislike to learn to swim; and, for the rest, we believe that the fisherman, from childhood, find- ing salt water the companion of cold and rheumatism, instinctively avoids getting into it whenever possible, having, unhappily for him, a most unpleasant ex- perience of sitting in wet clothes for days together, and of many a bitter plunge-bath on dark stormy nights; he therefore thinks the less he has of this unpleasant element the better. Probably, another reason, operating badly, is that familiarity with an ever-present danger not ttnfrequently produces in the mind a contempt for it; and the perils of death by drowning, which every fisherman must have had pressed home to him vividly, as a very present probability many times before arriving at manhood, becomes a thing not worth pro- viding against.

But, whatever may be the cause, it is a matter of regret, that while most success- ful efforts have of late years been made in training boys intended for sea ser- vice, and in many large towns by swim- ming baths, races, and the like, a greater interest in such matters has been induced among people generally, yet the real coast population seem to realise the im- portance of their giving attention to the subject as little as ever.

It is not easy to originate a plan by which the young fishermen may be taught to swim; but it would seem that some- thing might be done locally by those in authority impressing on the men the im- portance of teaching their children the art. In some places accidental conve- niences have assisted to develop a taste in this direction. At Dunbar, it is said that all the men are good swimmers; and this has resulted from the fact that advantage has been taken of the position of certain rocks to retain the water at the time of high tide, by means of rough timber sluice-gates, which forms a safe swimming bath in common use by the boys.

Something of this kind might be done in many places; if we could tempt the lads to a liking for a bath, the swimming would follow, and many a useful life be saved in the course of the year, as a necessary result of a larger proportion of boatmen being able to swim.

The instructions for the assistance of persons learning to swim under ordinary circumstances, and for ordinary purposes, would, no doubt, differ in some particulars from those given to persons who were desirous of receiving any possible light on the best modes of meeting a disturbed sea aided by a life-belt; but our means of drawing up any directions based on such experience must be necessarily extremely limited, in truth the one de- sideratum is that a man should be able to swim without a life-belt; and when he can do that, if he has also the life-belt to assist him, everything has been done that can be done to give him a fair and hopeful fight for his life.

Two things, however, a life-boatman who finds himself suddenly immersed in the storm of waters would do well to re- member are,—1st. That, with his life-belt on, he can- not sink. I 2nd. That probably it will be all-im- portant to keep his strength in reserve, unless, indeed, a few energetic strokes will place him in safety at once.

It is also said by many that the best way to advance quickly with the life-belt on, is by using what is called the over- hand stroke—a movement of late years in common use at the great swimming matches.

This stroke is well described in a book on Swimming and Diving* by Mr.

WILLIAM WILSON, recently published, in which, at p. 44, we find the following:— "It is admitted that this method is as much superior to the side stroke, with hands under water, as the side stroke was years ago to fiat swimming. The motions of legs and undermost hand are similar to those performed when prac- tising the side stroke. The characteristics of the new method are, that the topmost hand, imme- diately it has delivered the stroke in front of the body, instead of being returned to the shoulder under, is lifted gracefully out of, and carried along above the surface of the water, and then stretched as far as the hand can reach, beyond and in front of the head, in the direction of progress. The hand is then dipped without splashing and pulled strongly along the body, performing the positive part of the stroke.

" The muscles of arms and shoulders should be relaxed at every stroke. By this means a rest is afforded them, and when the muscles are again set for the propelling part of the movement, they are of course stronger and capable of greater exertion than could otherwise be the case. One of the ad- vantages not to be overlooked in this stroke is that when the uppermost arm is thrown forward, it has a long reach, and is carried with a springy motion, thus adding momentum to the onward progress.

" The fact that head and face are wholly im- mersed for three-fourths of the time diminishes the weight, and consequently increases the speed.

The mouth will be just clear of the surface when the hand is being carried out of the water. This therefore is the time to inhale. Exhale through the nostrils when the hand is being pulled along the body. Be particular to rinse the mouth, gargle the throat, and have all the air passages quite clear before entering the water, especially if going in for a trial of speed." Earlier in the same book, when speak- ing of the movements of the legs, for which minute instructions for every movement are also laid down, he says at p. 24,— " While performing the first part of the kick, be sure the legs are as wide as possible from each other, the effort being made to kick sideways and backward, not downward. The reasons tor this are obvious. In the first place, kicking downward * " Swimming, Diving, and How to Save Life." By William Wilson, Swimming-Master, Glasgow.

Kerr and Richardson. Price 2s., illustrated.

gives an ungainly jerk to the body, spoiling the appearance of the stroke, and is also a waste of strength, as it sends the body, or part of it, out of the water, while every effort should be made to propel the body forward; as the legs are kicked out, a slight movement of the ankle joint is per- formed, just enough to put toes and instep in a line with the front of the leg. This is done that the toes may cleave the water, opening a way for the foot, that there may be as little resistance as possible to its outward progress.

" Number two of the kick is the most important motion of any, and, strange to say, the one most neglected by self-taught swimmers. It is actually the propelling power in swimming; for when the legs are brought firmly together, the body is shot forward; therefore the wider the legs are kicked apart, and the firmer they are palled together, the greater will be the speed attained.

" Do not hitch the body in any way; the limbs must do all the work.

" Keep the neck stiff, and make no effort, be- yond the motion of arms and legs, to raise the head above the surface of the water. The weight of the head is diminished considerably when it rests on or in the water. The body and legs should be level, the head being very slightly raised." The advice as to breathing in the next chapter is also worthy of careful attention by every person likely to have his life staked on his swimming abilities. On p. 29 Mr. WILSON says,— " Many swimmers of long experience, and some even who compete in swimming matches, as well as learners, find difficulty in regulating the breath.

Now there need be no more difficulty in breathing while swimming in the water than when walking on terra firma. It is as easy to breathe in the one as on the other, once the new sensations on learn- ing it have been got over.

" The fastest and best of our living swimmers have the mouth and nostrils immersed for at least two-thirds of the time they are swimming; this, along with the improved side stroke, and overhand swimming, accounts for the good time accom- plished at swimming matches.

" The swimmer on paying attention to the fact will find, that mouth and nostrils lie deepest at the beginning of the stroke, while they are raised above the surface, as the arms are brought round in the second part of the movement. It will there- fore be easily understood, that to breathe regularly he should exhale, or partly empty the lungs at ' one." This is easily done although the mouth is under water. The lungs are then filled in an instant during the second part of the movement.

" Be sure to breathe regularly every stroke.

" Care must at first be taken, until accustomed to the operation, not to open the mouth too soon for the purpose of inhalation, else water instead of air will be taken in." We cannot do better than finish our quotations from this valuable little book with a part of the remarks on saving life from drowning, commencing at p. 109.

"Should the drowning person be a distance of some hundreds of yards from the shore, the rescuer had better take time to divest himself of his shoes, jacket, and vest. These being the heaviest portions of attire, the few moments occu-pied in taking them off will soon be made up in the speed with which he can swim when relieved of these parts of his clothing. He will also have the use of his limbs to a much greater extent than when dressed; besides, there is less probability of his being caught in the grasp of the struggling person.

" It makes the greatest possible difference if the rescuer is naked and the drowning person clothed, than if the case were reversed.

" The rescuer must be careful not to swim so fast as to put himself out of breath; he must reach the spot comparatively fresh, and as little excited as possible.

" When nearing a drowning person, the rescuer must try to get to his back, not, however, putting off too much time in trying this, then by diving under him, use both hands to throw water on his face and eyes, this will have the effect of blinding, or to some extent stupefying him. when he may be caught at once. The rescuer must now catch him between elbow and shoulders, with both hands, keeping the palms of his own hands facing inward, that is with fingers over the front and thumbs round the back part of the drowning person's arms.

Let him now turn on his back, and with the res- cued one above him, with his face upward, swim with the legs performing the plain movements.

" The recommendations of this method are, that the speed while carrying a person when swimming on the back is greater than when on the chest or side, and using one hand to support the weight.

The rescuer's position gives him full control over all the movements of the person who is being sup- ported, while the rescued one is inspired with confidence, as his mouth, and, in fact, the whole of his face and head, is kept clear of the water; the strong grip with which he is held also adds to this feeling of security. No matter how powerful the struggling person may be, he will find it a hard task indeed to turn round on his rescuer once the latter is master of this method.

"Should the drowning person have his clothes on, the rescuer will find the work of obtaining a catch, and keeping it, one of comparatively greater ease.

Let him catch the collar of coat or vest, or the neckband of shirt, with the one hand, at the same instant, catch the arm or sleeve of the coat, turn on the back as before, and swim to the landing point." We trust that greater local efforts than ever will be made in the vicinity of Life- boat stations, to teach the art of swimming, if not to the old hands themselves, at least to the young ones, who are by-and-by to man our Life-boat fleet.

There is no doubt that something effec- tive can be done in many places; and if the youngsters can be enticed by emula- tion or other means into cold water, a swimmer in most cases must follow.

In the Royal Navy and training ships for mercantile marine, and in some large cities, considerable strides have thus been made, so that it would almost seem that the only people who will not learn to swim are fishermen and boatmen.

HINTS TO BATHERS.—The Royal Hu- mane Society has issued the following notice:—Avoid bathing within two hours after a meal, or when exhausted by fatigue or from any other cause; or when the body is cooling after perspiration; or altogether in the open air if, after having been a short time in the water, there is a sense of chilliness with numbness of the hands and feet; but bathe when the body is warm, provided no time is lost in getting into the water. Avoid chilling the body by sitting or standing undressed on the banks or in boats after having been in the water. Avoid remaining too long in the water; leave the water imme- diately there is the slightest feeling of chilliness. The vigorous and strong may bathe early in the morning on an empty stomach. The young, and those who are •weak, had better bathe two or three hours after a meal; the best time for such is from two to three hours after breakfast.

Those who are subject to attacks of giddi- ness or faiutness, and those who suffer from palpitation and other sense of dis- comfort at the heart, should not bathe without first consulting their medical adviser.

A GOOD EXAMPLE.—We understand that, in addi- tion to the ordinary swimming, diving, and rescuing practice this season, the members of the Dee Swim- ming Club will receive instruction in the mode of treating persons apparently drowned. This is a most important, although greatly neglected, branch of instruction, as it is notorious that many persons die through want of proper treatment when taken out of the water. The ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY of London and the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION have done much towards disseminating a know- ledge of the treatment which should be applied for the purpose of restoring animation in such cir- cumstances, and a large number of copies of their printed and illustrated directions for the purpose have been obtained for Aberdeen, to be distributed amongst the members of the clubs, and posted up in various parts of the city and at the Dee. These directions will be studied and practised during the season, and it is expected that at the close some sort of a competition will be held, under the super- intendence of a medical gentleman, for the purpose of testing the skill of the members. In connection with this Professor STRUTHEBS has kindly agreed to give a lecture illustrating the process of resuscita- tion of the apparently drowned. It has also been arranged that first and second class certificates will be awarded to members of the club showing a practical and theoretical knowledge of the ap- proved methods of resuscitation.—Aberdeen Free Press.

[We may add that the easy and ready instruc- tions of tie NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, with Illustrations, printed as large Placards, can be supplied by Messrs. CLOWES 8c SONS, Printers, Charing Cross, London, at a cost little beyond the actual price of the paper on which they are printed, namely, Six Shillings per 100 Copies.].