“I hope we shan’t have any such accident at Lost Island,” said Polly. “Won’t a yacht sink, Mrs. Yates?”
“I cannot answer that positively, but I hardly think one will. Its canvas and the shape of the hull too, I believe, usually buoy it up; while a heavy boat that carries machinery will sink quickly. By the way, have you thought to bring any buoys or life preservers?”
“We have some water wings and life preservers that Mrs. Lee gave us, so we shan’t sink when we’re learning to swim,” said Sue hopefully.
“And Aunt Milly says there is a life-saving station only a mile and a half up the beach, and they have a coast-guard service that passes within hail of us through the night. I think we’ll be safe.”
Mrs. Yates smiled at Polly’s assured tone.
“I should feel pretty confident myself with such protection close by,” she said. “Still it is just as well for you to take precautions yourself, in case of sudden danger. Go down to the station as soon as you conveniently can, after you are settled, and watch them at their drill.”
“You mean in giving first aid to the injured?” Ruth asked.
“Yes, and in learning how to behave in case of a boat’s capsizing, or if one of you should fall overboard. You want to know how to act to help yourselves. How many in the club can swim?”
Polly glanced around and took stock of her crew.
“I’ve only tried swimming in fresh water,” said Ted.
“You will find salt water easier. It is buoyant, and invigorating. But don’t be venturesome or foolhardy in strange waters. Have you any idea of taking up a course of summer study?”
“Oh, yes,” cried Ruth. “Every morning we shall have regular class work, and I am teacher. I brought several books with me, Mrs. Yates, but do you know, they all seem so far advanced for beginners. I mean, they take it for granted that the reader knows all about shell life, and sea flora, and they talk about it all so scientifically, arranging them in groups, and using the Latin names. I wish I could find a book telling the intimate family side of beach life. I’d like to be on real friendly terms with every starfish and crab I meet, not just have a bowing acquaintance, and say, ‘Ah, good morning, Monsieur Crustacean, are you a king crab, or a hermit?’”