ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY

Levin Daily Chronicle, 1 March 1928, Page 7

ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY

LOCAL TRAINING IN PROGRESS. The Levin Branch held their usual weekly practice on Tuesday evening in the Municipal Baths. Although the attendance was small on account of the cold weather, useful work was done. It is proposed to continue the weekly meetings on Tuesday at 7 p.m. If weather conditions do not permit of water practice, instruction will bo given by means of land drill. Nearly thirty members in Levin have received instruction in the methods of carrying to safety a person in danger of drowning. Next week the various methods of releasing oneself from the clutch of a drowning person will be demonstrated. The test for the Society’s Bronze Medallion is a fairly strenuous one, and includes carrying the subject in the water for 3IK) yards by lour dilterenfr methods. There are also three ways of releasing oneself from the clutch of a drowning person, all of which have to be demonstrated in the water.. Candidates also have to dive from the surface of the water and recover objects from the bottom. A complete knowledge of the theory and practice of the resuscitation of the apparently drowned is also necessary. It is not expected that all the members will be able to qualify for the Bronze Medallion, but the weekly course of instruction, combined with water practice at every possible opportunity, should be of great value to all swimmers.

The K.L.S.S. (Patron lI.M. Tiic King) is endeavouring to extend its work to all centres of New Zealand, where facilities exist. In view or the increasing number of deaths from drowning every year it is a subject which should command universal support. It is anticipated that at least, six from Kevin will qualify this season for the Society’s Medallion and Certificate, in which case the establishment of a centre in Levin would be more than justified. They would then be qualified to assist others next season, and thus, provide more candidates for the Society’s awards and thereby extend their good work. ' What is now required is the use of a suitable meeting place once a week, where members can receive instruction bv means of land drill and lectures. The Levin Centre could then be put on a proper basis, and with a live committee should be the means of putting Levin on the map as far as Swimming and Life Saving activities are concerned.