BOY'S VAIN EFFORT
AGAINST STRONG TIDE
UNABLE TO SAY T E COUSIN
(0.C.) SYDNEY, February 12. In a gallant, but vain attempt to save his cousin from drowning at Tamarama Beach (between Bondi and Bronte) Gerald Burke, 15, was himself swept out to sea and struggled back only with the greatest difficulty. His cousin, Bernard James Rodgers, 15, was drowned. The boys went in for a quick swim just before dark on Tuesday. "We were only about waist deep in the water," said Burke. "I looked round and saw Bernie being carried out by the strong . undertow. He was in difficulties and trying to swim to the shore. "I swam towards him, and as I grabbed him and tried to turn him on his back, but he struggled and dragged me down. "When we came to the top, I had lost my grip on him and we had been carried a long way from the beach. I was in difficulties myself, so I swam to the beach for help." When Burke reached the shore he was on the point of collapse. He ran around the rocks to Bronte to notify the lifesavers, some of whom went out with belts while others took out the lifeboat, but they saw no sign of Rodgers.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 38, 15 February 1943, Page 2
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212BOY'S VAIN EFFORT Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 38, 15 February 1943, Page 2
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