BATHERS IN TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1922, Page 4

BATHERS IN TROUBLE.

ACCIDENT AT EAST END. LIFE-SAVING IN REALITY. A life-saving competition which was to have taken place at the East End beach on Saturday afternoon developed into the “real thing.” The event was to have decided the holding of the Tabor Shield (for life-saving), which is competed for annually. The holders (East End A team) had just commenced, the beltman being well on his way in the water when it was noticed that two girls had got into difficulties some distance out. As his attention could not be attracted other members of the team concentrated on the rescue of the distressed swimmers. There was a strong undertow, but the girls were assisted ashore safely without being much the worse for their experience. Some of the members of the East End team were somewhat exhausted in their efforts, the work being hampered by the endeavors of some bystanders who, with well-meant but misdirected intentions, tried to assist with the line, and only succeeded in retarding progress. The Old Boys’ team, another competitor for shield honors, was fortunately ready, and promptly backed up the other team in the rescue work. The incident, however, was responsible for the swimmers exhausting their energies and th<B shield event was consequently abandoned for the day. It will probably be run off at East End next Saturday.