ency of
the legs to sink. Unless one makes a straight dive by pushing off
equally strong with both legs, the body will go sideways to the side of
the pool. Floating on the back and chest is mainly a question of
balance, and comes only after considerable practise.

[Illustration: CORRECT POSITION FOR LONG PLUNGE]

The time limit allowed in a plunge is 60 seconds without raising the
face out of the water. The record is over 81 feet, 5 inches, and was
made in England by H.W. Allason.

SCULLING

This is one of the simplest methods of swimming on the back, the
forearms and hands alone being in motion during the performance. The
swimmer turns on the back with the legs straight out and together, or
crossed, the arms being flexible and near the body. The hands, with
palms downward, must be in line with the thighs, with the fingers
slightly raised. The hands are worked from the wrists, from right to
left, in addition to a slight movement (right to left) of the forearm.
This forces the body, head first, very gracefully through the water.

SWIMMING BACKWARD ON THE CHEST

[Illustration: SWIMMING BACKWARD ON CHEST]

In performing this trick of backward on the chest, the body is placed in
position as in the breast stroke, the legs and arms together,
outstretched in line with the body. The feet must be moved slowly from
the knees, each leg separately. The feet are alternately pushed backward
and the toes extended to the rear. The feet must not come above the
water. The action of the hands is performed with the palms facing
outward, each hand being pushed alternately forward.

Another method of using the hands is the reverse of the breast-stroke
movement; in other words, the breast stroke movement is done backward.

Begin with the arms out straight in front, the palms together, and then
draw the arms backward until the wrists touch the chest. Next throw out
the arms horizontally in line with the shoulders, the palms turned out,
thus sending the body backward by bringing the outstretched arms
straight together until the palms touch. If the performer be an expert
swimmer he can, by using this arm movement, dispense with the leg
movements. This is a "stunt" well worth practising, as it looks very
effective in the water.

THE WASHING TUB

[Illustration: THE WASHING TUB]

This is a very simple performance and requires little practise. The
swimmer turns on his back, doubles the body by bringing the knees up to
the chin,