LIFE SAVING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4663, 18 February 1924, Page 1

LIFE SAVING.

TO RESCUE FROM HROIVMNG.

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW.

The following instructions on how to effect a rescue of a drowning person are worth knowing, and every swimmer should have cognition of them :—

Tn addition to a knowledge of swimming the most essential requisites in order to effect a successful rescue arc courage and presence of mind. On all occasions be governed by circumstances in your efforts to reach the shore or bank, being careful to avoid wasting strength in swimming against an adverse tide or current, when by patently floating on your back a boat or other means of help may arrive and thus facilitate the work of rescue. Always approach a drowning person from behind, assuring him in a loud voice that he is safe. Before jumping in throw off, if possible, all clothes, tearing them off if necessary, but if there is not time for this see that your drawers are open at the foot; otherwise they will fill with water and drag you down. Do not approach a person in the water while he is struggling, as you thereby run great risk of being clutched and dragged under, but keep off for a few seconds till he gets quiet then seize him firmly by the hair, turn him quietly on his back, giving him a sudden pull; which will cause him to float; then throw yourself on your back, and with both hands grasping his hair, swim for the shore, or bank. This is much the easiest and safest course to take, as in this way you can easily swim with two or three persons. You can .abo float nearly as long as you please, but it is of the first importance that both yourself and the person you are saving should be on your backs.

When attempting a rescue by diving seize the hair of the head with one hand only, using the other in conjunction with the feet for regaining the surface. The exact position where a body lies under water may often be found by noticing the air bubbles which will occasionally rise due allowance being of course made for the run pf the tide or stream. Do not lose your presence of mind should you at any time be grasped by a drowning person, but having taken a full breath allow yourself to sink with him, and in almost every case he will release his hold. Tn the event of the grasp being retained, endeavour to effect your purpose by pressing your knees against the lower part of his chest.