1938-39

504
SWIMMING
the current is running. On reaching the drowning person who has
sunk to the bottom, seize him by the head or shoulders, place the
left foot on the ground, and the right knee in the small of his
back, then give a vigorous push, and swim to the surface by the
back stroke.
Waste of Strength
Rescuers must at all times be governed by circumstances, using
their judgment as to which method they will adopt in conveying
the drowning person to shore, always taking care to avoid wasting
their strength hopelessly against an adverse tide or stream ; rather
float with it and gradually make for shore, or else wait until a boat
or other aid may arrive.
Ice Accidents
In ice accidents, as a rule, a person precipitated into the water
comes to the surface close to where he went in ; he should then
extend his arms over the broken edge of the ice and hold
on
until
help arrives ; or by breaking the ice in front keep moving forward
by taking a fresh hold. In this way it is possible to reach the
shore where the ice is very thin. The ice in the vicinity of a break
is seldom strong enough to climb upon when encumbered with
wet, heavy clothing and skates. To get out in that way is not an
easy task, and it is generally best to wait for assistance.
How to Render Help
The easiest way to render help is to use a long ladder, board
or pole, or a number of persons might crawl along the ice, holding
each other, thus forming a human ladder. By this means the
weight is distributed over a large surface and the ice, therefore,
able to bear a greater weight. If the break in the ice is only local,
assistance could be rendered by a rope held at each end and the
centre allowed to drop, or, if that cannot be done, a skate or weighted
object with a rope attached might be slide within reach of the
drowning person.
Methods of Rescue
There are five practical methods of carrying a person in the
water, and those who are ignorant of what to do in cases of
emergency can, in the course of ten or twelve lessons, become
thoroughly proficient and able to render valuable aid in saving life
without risk or danger to themselves. The methods are as follows
When not Struggling
When the drowning person is not struggling, turn him on his
back, place your hands on either side of his face, so that the palms
of the hands cover his ears. Then lie on your back, hold him in
front of you, and swim with the back stroke, taking care to keep
his face above the water.
When Struggling
If the drowning person is heavily built and, in the frenzy of
distress, seems capable of overcoming the rescuer, it may be
advisable to tread grater just out of reach before attempting to