the possibility of
prevention greater.

It is never proper to suck a dog bite, because the merest scratch or
break in the surface, even if too small to notice, will serve as a
portal of entry for the living virus of rabies.

_Snake Bite._ For treatment of snake bite see page 297.

WATER ACCIDENTS

When it is possible, Girl Scouts should learn to swim well. It is fear
when suddenly thrown into the water that causes so many of the deaths by
drowning, and learning to swim well takes away this fear. A Girl Scout
should also learn how to prevent accidents, and how best to help the
victims of accidents in the water.

PREVENTION

Below are five rules for preventing drowning accidents.

1. Do not change seats in a canoe or rowboat.

2. Do not rock the boat.

3. Do not go out alone in a canoe, rowboat or sailboat unless you are
thoroughly competent to manage such a boat, in a sudden squall or storm.

4. Very cold water exhausts a swimmer much quicker than warm water,
therefore do not take any chances on a long swim in cold water unless a
boat accompanies you to pick you up in case of necessity.

5. Be careful not to go too far out when there is a strong undertow;
that is, a strong current below the surface of the water flowing
relentlessly out to sea.

6. Always wade upstream.

RESCUE [Illustration]

When a person gives up the struggle in the water, the body goes down,
and then because of its buoyancy it comes to the surface and some air is
expelled from the lungs, making the body less buoyant. It immediately
sinks again, this time a little lower, and again comes to the surface,
and more air is expelled. This process may be repeated several times,
until sufficient water is taken into the stomach and lungs to overcome
the buoyancy of the body and it no longer appears at the surface; but
the buoyancy is barely overcome, and therefore the body will float
easily. This can easily be utilized in saving the drowning person by
making the water carry most of the weight of the body.

To do this, place the hands on either side of the drowning person's
head, and tow him floating on his back with the face above the surface
of the water, while you swim on your back and keep the body away from
you. Remember, if possible, to go with the current and thus save
necessary strength. In some cases it may be easier and safer to grasp
the drowning person by the hair instead of trying to clasp the head.

EMERGENCIES

_Gri