Beach etiquette: how to swim in the XIX century

In the XIX century, the rules of staying on the beaches in Europe were significantly different from the present. There was a certain etiquette, which was adhered to in the UK, France, Germany and other countries. To go to the beach in a beach suit in front of representatives of the opposite sex was the height of indecency. Therefore, during the rest, special bathing cabins were used – wooden or canvas changing rooms on wheels.

At first the vacationer came into a booth which by means of horses transported on a certain distance in water. Here it was possible to go out to the water without hesitation, since the beach remained behind covered with a booth. After bathing, the signal to return was given – a small flag was raised. Some beaches were equipped with rails on which the cabin descended into the water. The first such devices appeared in the XVIII century, and in the early XX century were converted into stationary locker rooms.