LIFE-SAVER DROWNED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 108, 20 February 1950, Page 3

LIFE-SAVER DROWNED

SEAWEED FOULS LINE NO RELEASE ON BELT 1 . " <N.Z.P. A.—Copyright) (Rec. 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. When seaweed fouled his line in a heavy surf and dragged him tinder v James Peryman (24) captain of the North Cronulla Surf Club, was drowned. He is the second life-saver to died this way in two months. •X Peryman was trying to save a girl who was one of three swimmers in difficulties 400 yards offshore in treacherous seas. When Peryman, who was wearing the Australian standard belt which has no safety release, signalled the beach to he hauled in with the patient, he was drawn under by the weight of the weed. He released the girl and reappeared for a second or two, apparently struggling to free himself, but sank again.

Linesmen, mistaking signals from. Peryman’s companions that he was missing, hauled on the line, thinking Peryman had discarded the belt. When the belt reached shallow water they found Peryman still in it unconscious and covered with seaweed. Prolonged artificial respiration was unsuccessful.

■ Th§ president of the North Cronulla Club, Mr R. Lyndon, said he believed that Peryman’s life would have been saved if he had been wearing the Ross belt, which was invented by Mr A. H, Ross, of New Zealand, and has a quick release pin. Other swimmers were later picked up by a surf ski and line. Mervyn Fletcher was drowrfed in similar circumstances at Deewhy early in January, and there have been several other instances of lifesavers, including the belt champion, <Allan Williams, having narrow escapes because of weed.