SWIMMER'S ESCAPE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 1, 2 January 1936, Page 3

SWIMMER'S ESCAPE

CAUGHT IN WHIRLPOOL

SEIZED BY CRAMP

Seized by cramp in.both legs in a whirlpool caused by the outrunning tide in Paremata Harbour yesterday afternoon, Mr. W. A. Baillie, of 55 Hill Street, had a very narrow escape from drowning. But for the courage of two friends in entering the. dangerous waters, he would undoubtedly have been drowned. With difficulty he was dragged to the shore uncon^ scious, but artificial respiration and stimulants were applied successfully. Mr. Baillie spent a sleepless night because of the water he had swallowed, and today, although he was able to sleep, he was not at all well.

Mr. Baillie had crossed the lailway bridge in company with two friends, Mr. L. A. Shirnack, of 93 Pirie Street, and Mr. A. Simmonds, of Russell Terrace., About 2 o'clock he was swimming some 50 yards from the shore* on the north side of the bridge, and although he is quite a strong and experienced swimmer he found himself in difficulties in a whirlpool. When* he tried to tread water he was seized with crr-np in both legs, and his friends, when they realised his predicament, ■ went to his assistance and dragged him to safety. Mr. Shirnack reached Mr. Baillie first, but was un-! able to pull him to the surface without the help of Mr. Russell! The, swimmer was- unconscious when his rescuers reached him. '