Page:Art of swimming rendered easy.pdf/8

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weight of that part of the head that is out of the water, reach above the mouth and nostrils, perhaps a little above the eyes, so that a man cannot long remain suspended in the water with his head in that position

6. The body continuing suspended as before and upright, if the head be leaned quite baek, so that the face looks upward, all the baek part of the head being then under water, and its weight consequently in a great measure supported by it, the face will remain above water quite free for breathing, will rise an inch higher every inspiration, and sink as much every expiration, but never so low as that the water may come over the mouth.

7. If, therefore, a person acquainted with swimming, and falling accidently into the water, could have presenee of mind sufficient to avoid struggling and plunging, and to let the body take this natural position, he might continue long safe from drowning, till perhaps help would come. For as to the clothes, their additional weight, while immersed is very ineonsiderable, the water supporting then, though, when he comes out of the water, he would find them very heavy indeed.

But as I said before, I would not have you or any one to depend on having this presence of mind on such an occasion, but learn fairly to swim,