“We went out one day in it, and were running along with a beam wind on a smooth sea, when all at once a puff of wind hit us, and before the boys could start the sail, to jam her down, she was over on one side, and we all scrambled up on the planking, to windward, and hung on until the squall was over, when she righted herself, but we bailed out over thirty buckets of salt water.”
“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.