THE DOMAIN BATHS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 99, 7 February 1936, Page 6

THE DOMAIN BATHS.

Sir, —I wish to support “Visitor” in what he said in his letter regarding the sheds and equipment at the Domain baths. As one who used the baths, I can only say that the sheds are cleaned more frequently now than they were before his letter. They were allowed to get in a very dirtyf condition before cleaning took place. “Swimmer” says that the sheds are cleaned every morning. Some person used the drain leading away from the shower in the men’s bathing shed as a convenience, and it remained in that filthy condition for several days. I entirely agree with “Swimmer’s” remarks about the lifesaving hook. When I saw ft first I wondered who was responsible for the ordering, and still look at it with astonishment. It is almost heavy enough to haul a bullock out. All that is needed* is a stout bamboo fishing rod with a light hook attached. Some mornings there is no water at all from the shower; on others the smallest trickle. It gives one the impression that the pipes carrying the water are. very badly corroded, and it is only when the water tank is full that there is enough pressure to force the water through the jun-holes in the shower. It is plain to all except the most unobservant that to have only a lifebuoy at the baths is not sufficient. At present there is only a part of a buoy there, three of the ropes being missing, and these are an important part of a buoy. The left loop show's clear signs of neglect. These ropes should be in a sound condition. As the buoy stands at present it would be of very little use w'here a child is concerned, for it could not grasp the cork frame, but if the ropes were in place the child could grasp' them. In my opinion there should be a life-line at the baths, because sometimes a swimmer takes cramp and is unable, to grasp a lifebuoy. Through lack of some such preparation for an emergency there have been fatal accidents because the drowning person seized hold of the would-be rescuer and both, perished. A life-line might prevent such a disaster. When life may be endangered it is a wise course to be fully prepared,. Where has the life-saving hook been for months? The council in its wisdom it was needed at the baths, then why not in its place? As stated, it was broken, which has lessened its value to a very large extent. ANOTHER SWIMMER.