DIVED TO SAVE GIRL WHO FAINTED

Chronicle (Levin), 15 February 1947, Page 3

DIVED TO SAVE GIRL WHO FAINTED

-P-ess Association

By Telegrapr—

ILASTHNGF, Pub. i;;. Jluiidruds of H|>ectators ul Ihe ilero " tuunga Wwimming Club's caraival which was lield iu tho Hastings (.'on veut Bdiool's Meuiorial Baths, cliocrod wildJy when a nian dived fully clollied i n t,o the deep end of the pool to roscuo a conipetitor in tlie 50 yanls intor inediate girls' race who had iainted in the water. But for Ihe smart action of the spectator, who was 51 r. J. Korte gast, of Palmerston North, a distressing incident might liave occurred. The accident occurred al about 8.50 as the competitors in the race weri half-way down tho baths on the Ihiai length of their 50 yards sprint. hiud deniy, amid the fiurry of water, a giri tn the centre laue was seen to falloi and collapsc. She was in obvious difli culties as she weakly groped for the lane cord and iinally faintcd. Fortuuately, as she began to sink her licad restod on the lane linc, which liclped to keep her almost adoat as the icscuer (lived in from the side of Ihe batli auu reaehed her before slio sank. He swam with her to the side whare ollier helpers carried the gir] to a room and iirsl-aid treatment was administered. Aftcr a rest and further attenlion by women^ stewards at 'the club she was able to return liome. Tlie rcscuer received a tremendous ovation. Sueh incidents are rare, especially at swimming carnivals, tliough there have been cases wliero onlv tlie keen vigi lancc of onlookers has deteeted a swim mer in ditiiculties in a pool crowded with kicldng and splashing bodies.