LIFE SAVING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 280, 25 November 1937, Page 6

LIFE SAVING.

Though the figures have often been quoted, few people realise that, during the swimming months, the life tofl of the water is greater than all the tolls of the road combined, including motor, horse, tramways and railways. That is more than sufficient to justify the strongest possible support for the "learn to swim" week, which will help to instil a knowledge of swimming and life-saving into the youth of the Dominion next month, and for generous assistance to the life-saving societies in their appeal for financial support which will be made to-morrow, conjointly with the Victoria and Navy Leagues. 'The life-saving organisations have had very poor support, both from the State and from private individuals, in the post. There are twenty clubs in the Auckland district, with a membership of three hundred. Last year they made 116 rescues, rendered first aid to 80, and in scores of other cases averted potential tragedy by timely advice and assistance. It is to their credit that the clubs themselves have, raised funds for their own equipment and buildings, in the face of an astounding apathy by the general public, and with very little tangible recognition from the majority of those whose lives have been saved. The extension of the work is argent, for every new patrol means the saving of valuable lives. The patrols do their voluntary work in a splendid spirit of self-sacrifice. Those who use the beaches are prone to accept that sacrifice without thought either of what it involves or of what protection it offers. It is to be hoped that this attitude of mind will not be evident to-morrow, but that the general public will recognise the value of the service so freely given. ,