Everard Digby, born in 1550, was an academic theologian at Cambridge University. Digby created a series of 40 charming woodcuts to illustrate his book titled De Arte Natandi (The Art of Swimming) published in 1587 and is considered the first English treatise on the practice. The Art of Swimming was very influential and not only taught readers how to swim but also covered many safety issues. Digby warned of the dangers of swimming outdoors, jumping in feet first (particularly if the water has a muddy bottom to which your feet would stick), advised against swimming in murky ponds (in which animals may have been washed). and also suggested swimmers have a companion with them, to help if they get into difficulties. (Via)
