This is actually a modern recycling of an ancient tradition. In the past, few sailors actually knew how to swim. So on hot days when the wind was calm, the captain would order a sail to be dragged behind the ship with some empty barrels to keep it floating. This would form a safe, shallow "pool" for the men to cool down without fear of sharks or drowning.
This is actually a modern recycling of an ancient tradition. In the past, few sailors actually knew how to swim. So on hot days when the wind was calm, the captain would order a sail to be dragged behind the ship with some empty barrels to keep it floating. This would form a safe, shallow "pool" for the men to cool down without fear of sharks or drowning.