BATTLE IN SURF

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 416, 28 December 1932, Page 5

BATTLE IN SURF

(Press. Assn.-

a narrow escape SURF CLUB CARRIES OUT SMART RESCUE AT SUMNER BATHERS IN TROUBLE

— By Telegraph — Copyright)

Christchurch* Tuesday. A dangerous current outside the official bathing areas at Sumner was nearly accountable for a tripl'3 fatality yesterday iafternoon, when the alarm was given that two young women and a young man, visitors from' Auckland, were seen to be battling against a current that was fast sweeping them from the shore. The Surf Club members quickly had a reel out, and swam to the rescue. One. woman brought in was able-to walk _away, but the other two bathers were much exhausted. The young man was dazed, and had to be carried to the pavilion, an dthe second woman had to be treated with resuscitary methods for a short period. After a rest bpth recovered and rejoined their friends; The three had entered the water ' 150 yards north of the green warning disc. A fourth member of the party was a man, who remained in shallow water. On .seeing that his companions were in difficulties he gave the alarm at the Surf Club pavilion, where a full team was in readiness. The members immediately ran down the beach' preceded by two supports. The distance to the scene of the rescue was fully 250 yards, and the team arrived out of breath. The younger of tho two girls was rescued first, and handed over to the beltman. The two supports then went after the other two arid brought them ashore,- exhausted and suffisring from shock. Re-.-.uccitation methods were employed on tho sand. The man was taken to the Surf Club pavilion and the two girls were taken to Mr. T. H. Brake's P3sicience on the Esplanade and put to bed. All recovered later and expressed deep gratitude for their rescue and kindly treatment. At' the time of the rescue the tide had hegun to ebb, and the current was running westerly towards Caye Rock. The bathers were fully 100 yards west of the warning disc, and were using a patch of water that has always been risky. The surf was running well up the beach, and the hackwash was very strong.