straight (Fig. 5). Next the pupil brings the legs sharply together until
the heels touch, the toes being turned out (Fig. 6). After these
movements have been repeated several times the pupil can try the arm and
leg movements together. The arms and legs are drawn up together as in
Figs. 1 and 4, then the pupil straightens out the arms and legs, as in
Figs. 2 and 5, finishing the stroke by bringing the arms and legs
sharply together, as in Figs. 3 and 6.

[Illustration: FIGURE 3]

When these movements have been mastered by the pupil, I take him or her
into the water, waist deep, putting one hand under the back, the other
under the chin, forcing the pupil backward until the ears are under the
water, then bringing the pupil's hands to the sides, and slowly starting
the movements. After the arm movements are mastered, I take up the leg
movements, care being taken that the knees do not come out of the water.

[Illustration: FIGURE 4]

To teach pupils how to regain their feet, I show them how to bend
forward from the waist until the face is under water, then the pupil
will find his or her feet slowly sinking; when the toes touch the bottom
the head can be raised out of the water.

To accustom pupils to the water I teach them to open the eyes and mouth
under water. This is much simpler than non-swimmers imagine. Care is
taken not to open the eyes too wide. At the first few attempts the
pupil will feel amazed, on opening the eyes the first time, at the
distance of the vision under water. This is a very good thing to know,
and helps beginners to overcome fear of water.

[Illustration: FIGURE 5]

To teach pupils to open the mouth under water I place a rubber ring six
inches from the surface and have the pupil bring it to the surface with
the teeth. By being careful not to attempt to breathe while under water,
the mouth may be opened to any extent without the least danger of
swallowing water.

It is wonderful the amount of confidence instilled in a novice on
realizing his ability to open the eyes and keep the mouth open under
water.

[Illustration: FIGURE 6]

A preserver tied around the waist obviates the necessity of an
instructor holding the pupil, and he can, therefore, better direct the
movements, so that the pupil, while being held up by a preserver, makes
headway, care being taken to do the movements slowly and together. Then
the pupil is shown how to turn around. The knees should be drawn up, as
in Fig. 4, and