OUT OF WATER

In this act the swimmer should lie on his back, the same as in sculling,
raise one leg until it is at right angles with the body, keeping the
other leg straight and rigid. The action of the hands will propel the
body forward.

[Illustration: ONE LEG OUT OF WATER]

When becoming proficient in this movement, the swimmer can practise
raising the other leg. This requires considerable more force in the
working of the hands, so that both legs may be kept in position. By
performing the motion of the hands directly under the legs, less
difficulty will be experienced.

SWIMMING WITH CLOTHES ON

This is an accomplishment that should be learned by all swimmers. In
addition to the sense of security given in time of accident, it is
productive of great amusement at race meets and exhibitions, and never
fails to excite admiration and wonder in the onlooker. Of course, this
can be practised with an old or cast-off suit.

Practise first with a coat, then with a coat and waistcoat; next add
trousers, and last the shoes and stockings. This will gradually accustom
the beginner to the extra weight of the clothes.

In case of an immersion in clothes, with no help in sight, the sooner
the swimmer removes his clothes the longer he can support himself. The
easiest way is to float on the back and remove the coat, taking out one
arm at a time, using the legs as in the Dalton stroke; next remove the
vest, still lying on the back; then unbutton the trousers and pull the
right leg down with the left hand. To remove the left leg, use the left
hand and kick out with the right leg. To remove the shoes, lie on the
back and draw up one leg at a time, crossed over the other leg, and so
try and undo the laces. If a knife is handy, cut the laces and kick the
shoes off. This is one of the most effective feats practised at
exhibitions.

WITH HANDS AND FEET TIED

This trick is most frequently performed with the wrists and ankles tied
with a rope. The performer should plunge into the water as for a shallow
dive and rise to the surface without making a stroke. The legs are then
drawn up until the heels are quite close to the back of the thighs, then
the legs are kicked out together. The arms are drawn down through the
water, in front of the body, and then shot out. Care must be taken that
too much force be not employed, or much of the beauty of this movement
will be lost. Naturally, the pace will be slow, but this does not
detract