I MUST assure Edward Shirley that I have never "implied swimming in the Severn is safe". (You Say, November 15).
I happen to be one of a generation who was officially encouraged to swim in the Severn and learn to cope with the variations of current he has observed.
I can assure him the circular motion is no way constitutes a "whirlpool" likely to suck a swimmer under.
The downstream flow of the current generally prevails over surface variations, though a strong upstream wind can impede even downstream swimming.
Generally speaking, the individual who finds himself in the river by accident or has foolishly entered it against advice will do best to swim downstream as I have suggested, gradually easing to the side until shallow water is reached. To follow a natural instinct to strike out for the nearest bank is to court disaster.
JOHN G HINTON,
Victoria Avenue,
Worcester.
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