How to swim

The author of this little volume originally compiled the material at the request of the late James E. Sullivan, with whom he was associated in Amateur Athletic Union affairs for a great many years and therefore naturally takes a more than passing interest in the book. With the great advance that has been manifested in swimming, it became necessary to make a thorough revision of the entire matter, at the same time adding a new chapter in life-saving methods which should prove invaluable.

While the author disclaims any attempt of self-laudation, still for the benefit of the many who will read this volume and would like to know his capability for assuming to teach the modern methods of swimming, the following letters, from prominent authorities on the sport, are reproduced:

L. deB. Handley, New York Athletic Club.

“Jim Sterrett may be counted among the pioneers of swimming in this country. He was called the ‘Father of American Swimming’ when I entered the field of competition 20 years ago. Sterrett’s prolific pen, too, has done much to spread knowledge of developments. It was in one of his books that I read the first technical discussion of the principles of aquatic progression ever come to my notice, and his numerous articles on all branches of watermanship have ever held interest for me.”

Wm. E. Bernard, Jr., Swimming Coach, Girard College, Philadelphia.

“Mr. Sterrett is known from coast to coast as an authority on swimming, as well as a successful amateur coach. He taught me a lot ten years ago, and I am now successfully using his methods in teaching boys at Girard College.”

William G. Friedgen, Philadelphia Turngemeinde.

“Through the early years of Mr. Sterrett’s connection with the Philadelphia Swimming Club, which he organized in 1890, he was the guiding spirit of that body of enthusiastic devotees of the sport, always having in view the teaching and propagation of the art of natation among its members, as well as to assist in similar development in other organizations. He lent his aid to the Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy and the Y.M.C.A., and was one of the original members of the Swimming Committee of the Philadelphia Turngemeinde, besides being instrumental in promoting many national and district swimming tournaments, thus affording frequent opportunity for competitions.”

John W. Stevens, Swimming Instructor, First Regiment Pool, Philadelphia.

“As an expert authority on swimming, James H. Sterrett classes among the foremost in the country, and I attribute my success in the swimming world, both as a swimmer and a teacher, to him—being a pupil of his when a boy, and a close follower of his methods as a teacher. He is a never tiring worker in his endeavor to further the interest in swimming and his advice and criticism is always in demand.”

F. Vance Veith, Swimming Coach, Los Angeles A.C., California.

“In my early days of competition, Mr. Sterrett showed me a lot about advanced swimming. I remember once how, in the Central Y.M.C.A. of Philadelphia, before I became a professional swimming teacher, Jim held himself up by the arms on the iron fence at the side of the bath, and demonstrated the crawl kick for me, and then while in the water, gave me some pointers which improved my speed over the 100 yards 10 seconds in two weeks’ practice. I use his methods now in teaching, and owe much of my success to his precepts and examples.”

Thomas G. Whitaker, Coach, Missouri A.C., St. Louis, Mo.

“Mr. James H. Sterrett can truly be called the Nestor of American swimming. Many times when the pastime took a slump, his unselfish and disinterested efforts were largely responsible for its rehabilitation, and only those who have known the man and come into personal contact with him, know what he has done for the sport, and what it owes him in this country. His kindly manner and encouraging advice has helped many youngsters to achieve their ambition in the swimming world.”

Andrew B. Kean, Charter Member P.S.C., Lansdowne, Pa.

“There are many of our present-day ‘crack’ swimmers who owe their success to Jim Sterrett’s coaching. His advice to young swimmers is always on tap. He is ever ready and willing to do what he can to further the sport, and what he did for swimming in this part of the country would fill a volume.”

Prof. Charles Holroyd, Swimming Instructor, Training School, Pittsburgh, Pa.

“Jim Sterrett’s work for swimming during the past 25 years has done much toward organizing the sport in this country. He has made it possible for a number of expert teachers to secure positions, while he himself has started many a young lad with the proper stroke, who has afterward become a successful racer.”

Charles B. Durborow, America’s Long-distance Swimmer.

“I have had advice from numerous coaches in connection with my training for long-distance events, but Mr. Sterrett has been tireless in his interest in my swimming and has accompanied me on many of my big performances, and has always been a steadfast and dependable friend and adviser. I have closely watched his work as a coach of speed swimmers, in which line he has been so successful.”

Gordon M. Mullen, Swimming Instructor, Hygeia Baths, Atlantic City, N. J.

“James H. Sterrett, affectionately called ‘Papa Jim’ by his host of friends, is the most liberal swimming philanthropist I ever met, always ready to impart his expert knowledge to the ‘other fellow.’ He is one of the few of the old school of swimmers who has kept right up to date in the art. He taught me to swim all the strokes scientifically, and I owe much of my success as a teacher to his helpfulness.”