When a fluid is flowing past a body or surface, a layer of fluid can be seen adjacent to the surface. The velocity of the fluid in relation to the surface is reduced so as to be non-existent. This region is called boundary layer. Much of the theory of boundary layer is based on the work of Prantiti and others who undertook flow research in the earlier part of this century. The importance of this from the therapist's point of view lies mainly in those techniques for exit from a pool or river. For example, the fastest currents in a river will be at its center. As the water gets close in the banks, the rate of flow is slowed until there is an area of little or no flow close to or against the bank. In exiting from the river, a person must learn to keep in this area and to lift their legs high and clear of the water as the forward movement over the side is carried out, otherwise they may find their body drug back into the water. To a lesser extent, the same situation arises in the pool. Turbulence created by the movement of the water can be compared with that of the river, and there is an area of little or no flow, against the side of the pool. This technique for getting out of the water can be taught in the pool situation thus increasing hydrotherapy pool safety.