DANGEROUS WATERS

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 6, 20 February 1952, Page 1

DANGEROUS WATERS

Sir, — It seems time that a strict prohibition of swimming be insisted upon around the wharf area. In the last year or two there have beeri a number of cases of near drownings and if some stricter supervision is not kept en this area, the toll will mount up. Surely there are enough safe fceaches around the lake to tempt swimmers, instead of taking to the precarious waters around the wharf, with their rips and eddies, swift current and the proximity of double and trebble-banked launches. These launches themselves 'provide a hazard that even an expert swimmer will be hard put to in a case of rescue. The recent fine rescue of tWo boys by Mr Riddle is a case in point, while swimmers will venture, there is a danger of getting under these launches, and that is where Mr Riddle had to go to get these boys. It is not fair to bystanders. Possibly non— or poor swimmers, they may be ealled upon to attempt a rescue under conditions endangering their own lives. This is government reserve, and it should come under strict police control. Admittedly a regular patrol is impossible, but the authorities should place a very prominent notice prohibiting swimming at the wharf. The small notice attached to a wall, warning of the danger of swimming and prohibiting diving, is apparently not seen or ignored. Something more effective is needed.

— I am, etc.,

"SAFETY FIRST.