To begin to learn to swim

Category

Library Item

Item no

24696

Title

To begin to learn to swim, Figure 6 from the Art of Swimming

Description

A drawing of a naked figure immersed in water illustrating a swimming technique described in the 17th century volume, 'The Art of Swimming'.

Date

1699

Size

5.6 x 8.6 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Reference Library

The accompanying text gives the following advice for those learning to swim: It is usual at first for these Reasons to administer sundry helps; as, to hold up their Chins, or give them a bundle of Cork, or Bladders, or Reeds, which are the best help for Beginners.
Take special Care that the Water be not higher than your Breast, nor shallower than up to your Belly. Figure 6.
How to return back again in Swimming. To turn back, you must turn the Palm of your Right Hand outwards from you, and strike out the Arm the same way, and do exactly the contrary with your Left-hand and Arm, striking that inwards the contrary way, embracing as it were the water on that side. Thus you may turn your self on the Left Side, after having inclined your Head, Neck and Length of your Body on that side.

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Related subjects

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

People > Adults > Men

Sport and leisure > Activities > Swimming

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