BATHING DANGERS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1930, Page 5

BATHING DANGERS

THRILLING RESCUES. I3y Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright. PALMERSTON N., Jan. 27. Thrilling rescues were effected in the surf at Ocean Beach, Manawatu Heads, yesterday afternoon. Caught in a strong set of a dangerous tide several swimmers soon were in difficulties, two different parties having to be taken from the breakers almost simultaneously and but for the fact that life-line was handy, manned by resourceful swimmers, several fatalities would have occurred. Early in the day, there was a strong set towards the beach, hut a remarkable sudden change caught a party of bathers unawares and from comparatively shallow water they were swept to a deep area. Cries of ahum brought rescuers for two small boys, Clicctliam and Linklatcr. It was next seen that two girls, Grace Linklater and Helen Hunter were in difficulties. Several swam to their aid and meanwhile a life-line was manned by a band of young swimmers. Fine work was done and resulted in all in danger beipg saved. Several of the rescuers became exhausted and had to be aided ashore.

One boy and a girl were the children of Mr J. Linklater, M.P. The condition of Helen Hunter was serious. She was in the last stages of exhaustion but responded to artificial respiration treatment. At one time she was clutching the life-line for safety.

Shortly afterwards several members of a Dannevirke party, unaware of the narrow escape from tragedy, en-tered-the water and were caught by tbe set of the- tide and carried out. Cries of help were- raised and fortunately a body of life savers were instrumental in effecting a first rescue. They returned to the beach in a moment and plunged in again. One of the party in danger was Iveitha Cornwall. She was almost drowned only for her strenuous efforts which kept her above water until the rescuers arrived. Artificial respiration was used to .good effect. Others were rescued weak from the struggle with the tide.