SURF DANGERS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1930, Page 2

SURF DANGERS

SMART RESCUES. [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH December 29. A reflex of ; the hot weather a couple fif fine surf rescues occurred yesterday. Two men were caught in treacherous currents at Taylor’s Mistake at different times fine work being done by members of the Taylor’s Mistake Surf Club who act as a volunteer patrol. The rescues had to be performed with such speed that the swimmers did not have time to discard their clothes. On Saturday morning also, a man was brought ashore in an exhausted condition.

At 6.30 last evening members of the Surf Club warned a man who was bathing near the rocks that he was in a dangerous place. The maft, who took no notice of the warning, was carried to the middle of the bay by the currents, and had to be brought ashore in an exhausted condition by the team.

The most thrilling of the rescues occurred at 3.30 p.m. when the patrol was called out to assist a man who was seen to he in trouble. C. Herd with the help of A. K.Asher went out to support him, but they could not make any headway • against the current. A. T. Bolam and J. Simpson dashed out as further supports, quickly followed by L. J. Moorhouse in the belt. A scratch crew on the line pulled in rather quickly, but the victim was safely landed, and was soon able to leave the beach. It is stated tjj onlookers that but for the help of tho reel team and the beltmnn the man would have been drowned. The rescue took place just after lunch, the men having to go in fully clad. In the rescues the team received valuable assistance from Mr McKechnie, who skillfully directed their movements from the shore. At the bay a but, fitted with bunks, has been erected for the patrolmen.