THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1927. LIFE-SAVING INSTRUCTION.

Wairarapa Age, 17 February 1927, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1927. LIFE-SAVING INSTRUCTION.

In many parts of New Zealand, a great deal has been done in recent years to promote instruction in swimming and life-saving. Numerous clubs and individuals have exhibited praiseworthy enthusiasm in developing this instruction on the broadest possible scale. In spite of all that has been attempted and accomplished in this way, saddening proof is continually being afforded that proficiency in swimming and life-saving is far from being as general as could be desired. Whether or not they are increasing in number, deaths by drowning are certainly far more numerous than they should be in New Zealand. Not long ago, nine such fatalities were reported on one day, and hardly a day goes by without one or more being mentioned in Dominion news. There is no doubt that many valuable lives, would be saved if more people, particularly young people, became proficient in swimming and acquired a knowledge of approved methods of life-saving. In these circumstances all possible encouragement should be given to such efforts as the Masterton Swimming Club is making to popularise both swimming and life-saving. The club has now taken the excellent step of arranging through the Wellington Con-' tre to give demonstrations in life-sav-ing to local school-children. Members of the Maranui Swimming and LifeSaving Club, which holds the New Zealand life-saving championship, are to compete at the Masterson Club’s carnival on Tuesday evening next. With the idea of stimulating local interest in the useful art of life-saving, it has been arranged that the expert life-sav-ers of the Maranui Club shall give two demonstrations to school on Tuesday. Children from nearby schools will be assembled at the West School baths, and those of other schools at the men’s baths in Dixon Street.

It may be hoped that these demonstrations will not only be interesting’ and instructive to the children, but will help to concentrate attention on the desirability of making methodical provision locally for instruction in lifesaving. A practical step in that direction would be to form a local branch of the Royal Life-Saving Society. In any case it should be easy to agree that the frequency of drowning fatalities in various parts of the Dominion makes it highly desirable that as many children as possible should be given efficient instruction in both, swimming, and lifesaving. All public-spirited people should be 'willing to assist action in this direction. The matter s-hould not

be left wholly to members of the local Swimming Club, though these have demonstrated in praiseworthy fashion that they arc ready and eager to do their part. •