Page:Art of swimming rendered easy.pdf/24

 It may also be very advantageous in case a man is obliged to save himself from some enemy pursuing him, by leaping into the water in a dark night; for in that case one may wait, without making any noise, till he has passed by, and then go again on shore.

This is easily performed in the following manner. You must keep your breast advancing forward; your neck upright on the water, both your hands fast behind your head, or on your back, while in the meantime, your legs, and thighs push you forwards by the same motions you make when you swim on your belly. This mode of swimming may be useful in case of any accident, as the cramp, &c. should happen to your arms, or if you were forced to swim with your hands tied behind you, and your life depended on it. The same thing may be performed by placing yourself on your back, but the other way is most advantageous, because you may see your way before you; and those that swim on their back are obliged to turn themselves often for that purpose. Besides the hands are here at rest, but must be employed if you turn yourself on your back.