DEATHS BY DROWNING

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1929, Page 1

DEATHS BY DROWNING

NUMBER CLAUSES ALARM. AUCKLAND, Jan. 21. Commenting on the fact that fortysix lives had been lost by drowning in the Dominion during the past month, Mr J. Fmvriglit. chairman of the Swimming Centre,’ stated last evening that the New Zealand Association had consistently advocated the appointment by the Government of two instructors, one for each island. These men would visit the schools, where oaths were available ;.nd swimming would lie a compulsory pari ol the curriculum. They also would oistruet at the Training Colleges, so that teachers could act as instructors. The large number of fatalities recently was alarming, and proved Gn* necessity for some definite policy -v lhe Government. Much necessary work could iic done if the swimming subsidy were increased. It was. perhaps, easy to mn a rope out to a person in distress, Inn inexperienced persons operating the land line would probably drown those whom they desired to save. Such an occurrence was not unknown. Many accidents were .caused by persons king overpowered by breakers. Few knew bow to scape the full force of the waves. If a wave had started to curl, a bather should put his head under water, and let. it pass over I armies..-!”. It was useless to breast a curling wave, as it would probably overcome a weak .swimmer. *• F do not think it is an exaggeration to say that about 99 per cent of the bathing fatalities at tbe beaches are dm* to the fact that people do not know bow to behave when ui ditii'-al-tios.” be said.