The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

DIRECTIONS TO SWIMMERS.

As at this warm Season many persons incline to recreate themselves in the Water, it may be of use to observe--that Swimming (especially against a Stream) is a violent Exercise of the Muscles, and to those who are used to hard Labour, is in a short Time very tiresome. To be taken with the Cramp in the Water often proves fatal.--This consideration is sufficient to deter many from venturing too far beyond their Depth.- But Swimmers should also be caution'd against too sudden & vigorous an Exertion.--Some as soon as they plunge into the water, without resting a moment, swim off to a Distance, these are the most likely persons to be seized with the Cramp--for the heat of the Weather having before relaxed the Solid parts of the Body, and swell'd the Blood of their Fluids. Such a sudden Change of Element must necessarily at first contract both, and there is no Weather so hot as to make the Waters in Seas or Rivers of the same Degree of Warmth as the Air. If then, immediately on this Contraction, (which may not perhaps be at first perceiv'd) a person is so imprudent as to venture, either to swim across a River, or any other considerable Distance, he must not think it strange or unnatural that the Cramp should affect him.--Some Robust Persons who are accustomed to Labour may think this a trifling caution, but even they ought to remember the old saying, Let not the strong man glory in his Strength, especially when he is out of his Own proper Element.--The best way in swimming as in all other Exercises of the Body is to use moderation at first till we become in some Degree habituated to the Exercise, and not to be rash, presumptuous and daring when necessity does not require it.

FLUVIALIS.