GIRL SAVED FROM HEAVY SURF

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21414, 5 March 1935, Page 12

GIRL SAVED FROM HEAVY SURF

♦ SEVERAL NARROW ESCAPES [THE PEESS Special Service] AUCKLAND. March 4. An exceptionally heavy surf at Piha resulted in several narrow escapes from drowning yesterday. A young woman. Mavis Thompson, of Westmere, was swept from the rocks near the Gap during the afternoon, and it was only the prompt action of her father. Mr E. Thompson, of Te Hoe. that prevented her from being swept out to sea. Mr and Miss Thompson, in company with several others, had been to the Gap. and were attempting to return to Piha beach round the rocks. The tide was coming in at the time. They had reached the point where the rocks are covered with slippery green growth, when Miss Thompson, who was ahead ol the others, slipped. She was carried away from the rocks by a wave. Her father, fully clad, at once jumped in, and managed to reach her. They were dashed against the rocks by an incoming "wave, and Mr Thompson suffered a cut hand and Miss Thompson severe cuts on the knees. Mr Thompson was forced to release his hold on his daughter; but he again went to her assistance, and managed to bring her to the rocks, and to scramble up to safety. Both the father and daughter were taken to the clubhouse of the Piha Surf Club, where they received attention. Both were later able to go home. During the day three girls were rescued at different times by members of the Surf Slub. All three had been carried out a considerable distance by a very strong undertow, and were in difficulties. Two club members went to the rescue in each case: but it was unnecessary to use the line, as the members remained in the surf in relays throughout the day in anticipation of accidents, and were thus able to reach those in distress in rapid time. Four persons were treated during the day at the clubhouse for injuries caused by surfboards. C. Wilson, of Glen Eden, suffered a severe cut on one knee from a surfboard, and was taken to the Auckland Hospital, where stitches were inserted.