A CLOSE CALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1926, Page 1

A CLOSE CALL.

SUMMER BEACH EPISODE.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, February 14

ALike believe developed into grim reality in a junior life saving contest at Sumner on Saturday. In the end, timely rescues were made by a motor boat outside the bar, and one.unconscious swimmer was resuscitated. The trouble began when the North Beach team’s subject mistook tlie direction of the huov for a few minutes. His team waited, thinking that he would correct his course. This he did not do, and eventually the team was sent out for the competition. J. Richards (beltman) and G. Brown (support) made good time for their subject but they soon found that, in spite of his vigorous swimming, he was going farther out to sen. By this time, everybody on the shore was concerned about the safety of all three lads. Nearly two reels'of the life line were out, and the North Beach subject was almost out of sight. Three Sumner men—D. Richardson, J. Sutherland and R. Blackmnre— then rushed into the surf, and D. AVilson donned another belt, and took a line out from a point nearer the men. Urgent messengers were sent also to call out the lifeboat, for at least- three of the, swimmers were in real danger. When the suspense of the watching crowd was becoming acute, the motor boat “ Pacific” was obtained, and she made full speed over the breakers of the bar. Snell (the subject) was first picked up, and he collapsed when ho was hauled aboard. Richardson had just reached him, and had supported him for some moments. Those two, with G. Brown, were In-ought back to tlie pier. Meanwhile J. Sutherland, exhausted, was helped ashore in a dazed condition. Blackmore who had taken over the North Beach holt, was unable to manage the groat length of line behind him and he signalled the “Pacific ” to be lucked up. The signal was mistaken, and when he was pulled ashore, ho too, was unconscious, and in a bad way. Tn an hour, after persistent resuscitation treatment, with the application of heat from half a dozen hot water bottles, blankets and rugs Blackmore revived and ho was later helped home.