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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 9

Plunging

Plunging.

Plunging is the art of entering the water head first. The principal plunges are known as the Flat, the Deep, and the Medium, their titles being suggestive. The flat plunge is most useful in page 5 shallow water; it consists in springing forward, with the arm extended, forefingers and palms of the hands touching each other, straightening the body, which must be kept rigid while moving along the surface, the feet and thighs being close together. Care must be taken to close the eyes at the moment of entering the water, opening them afterwards, as well as to prevent the heels rising; and also at all times to prevent the head being suddenly jerked back, which is most dangerous. The same rules will apply to the Medium plunge, which is generally used by the swimmer when plunging from a moderate height without wishing to go much below the surface of the water. The water is entered at an angle of about 45 deg. instead of 10 deg., which is the angle for the Flat plunge. It should be remembered that in plunging, as in swimming, the arms act as a protection to the head by breaking the water, and thus saving the concussion. When beneath the water the back is to be hollowed, and the chin gently raised, which will quickly bring you to the surface, keeping the arms extended. The steep plunge is used for descending a considerable depth into the water. If taken from a small height, stoop down until the head is lower than the knees, which should be opened as well as the feet, incline gradually forward, and when the balance is lost straighten the body from the fingers to the toes; if accurately taken, the body will enter the water noiselessly, hands first. Avoid throwing the heels up, and, if plunging from a moderate height, spring forward with the body, so as to prevent it striking the water perpendicularly.