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Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1931, Page 4

Tim public may be inclined to regard the loss of life due to drowning accidents as inevitable, and although some fatal bathing accidents may be inevitable the fact remains that they are taking an unnecessarily large toll upon human life. Last year no fewer than 126 people in New Zealand lost, their lives through accidental drowning. The toll of the motor was not much greater, the deaths through motoring accidents being 178. In many eases, only a lack of a slight knowledge of swimming caused death, and the victim frequently was possessed of robust youth. Tt appears that considerably more instruction should be given in swimming. Locally there are generous facilities, and with wider instruction that, could he organised by our local swimming club which has already done excellent work in this respect-, and it’s members are deserving the thanks of the public. All swimmers know that non-swimmers are often backward to display their ignorance of the art, and therefore there is need for swimmers to make special offers for instruction. If swimmers keep in mind the fact, that over 100 lives were needlessly lost by drowning lost year, they will feel impelled to assist to reduce this rate of wastage ■ n the future. 'I he local Club members are very self sacri®Hng both in organising sports to keep the snirit of emulation going, and in the desire to bring on young children. More should be done to induce the schools of the district to use places available for teaching the young to swim. Where there arc the ready conveniences it is a reflectior on those concerned that, more is not done to help in this matter. This is the time of the year when n word in season should he helpful and we hone the matter will be taken up actively.