Y.M.C.A.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9589, 8 September 1909, Page 5

Y.M.C.A.

LIFE-SAVING CLASSES FORMED

Last night before a large gathering of members and friends the General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. gave an address touching the methods of work of the Royal Life-saving Society, together with a demonstration showing the work of rescue from drowning and release from the drowning clutch. Representatives of the Masterton Ladies' Swimming Club and the Wairarapa Amateur Swimming Club were present, and were wecomed by the Chairman, Mr L. H.* Lewis, who wished the Clubs every success, especially expressing the hope for success in life saving work.

Mr Snowball (the speaker) dealt with the foundation of the Royal Life-saving Society—its humani tarian basis—its widespread influ ence and growth—showing an in crease from 86 awards for proficiency in 1892 to over 6.000 in 1907. He also showed what the civic authorities were doing in city centres .such as Bradford. Nottingham, Leicester and Manchester, to foster the art of swimming and life-saving. The value of swimming as a promoter of health—as a pleasure and as an exhilarating exercise—was shown, but its greatest use was undoubtedly seen when used to save life.. Instances of loss of life was mentioned in New Zealand and England— loss that might have been averted if proper methods had been used —loss sustained through sheer ignorance. In rescue work great caution was necessary. It was a truth that the "drowning person clutches at a straw," and in cases where a person attempting rescue was clutched, presence of mind was essential. Prom practical experience the speaker urged the necessity of getting on top, and to him the methods of the Society had been a life-pre-server. It was a fallacy to say that a person sunk three times before | actually drowning A person may never rise after once going undermuch depended on circumstances. The question of approach, clothing. the theory of respiration and circulation, and other matters were dealt with, and after the methods were tried in front of the class upon two members present the following classes were formed:—Boy Scouts, to meet each Thursday evening at 7 30; the Senior class each Wednesday evening at 7.30. The fee will be 2s for the Senior class, which includes Is book. There will be about ten indoor drills, one lecture by Dr. Prior, who was appointed Hon. Medical Officer, and a practise ex aminaMon. The class will go in for proficiency certificates at thi close the season. The following officers were appointed: Presi ent, Mr K. O. Jarrett; Vice Presidents Messrs Alex. Donald and A. J. Parton; Hon. Medical Officer, Dr. N. H. Prior; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr L. 11. Lewis; Hon, Instructor Mr A If. Snowball