LIFE-SAVING IN SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18673, 23 April 1926, Page 11

LIFE-SAVING IN SCHOOLS.

TO THE EDITOJI OF "THB PSISS." Sir,—l was amazed to find that a report prepared in a confused and involved manner by the sub-committee of the Life-Saving Society should be adopted in this form by the Society. Tho object of training pupils in schools for this service is, 1 take it, to allow as Jargo a number as possible to ootam tlio various awards, us signifying that they are proticent in the art or lifesaving, as well as fit to compete lor such championships or competitions as aro available. 'lne sub-committee, in its report, iails to distinguish these two branches of training. In Clause 2, for example, wo are illformed that instructors wasto their energies on "polishing up" proficiency candidates. It is obvious from this misconception of fact that tho sub-com-mittee has neglected to examine either past life-saving reports, or conditions which actually prevail in school training. In thoso schools in which this branch of spore 33 being taught a large number of new candidates begin from a very rudimentary stage; and even, in some cases, aro taught to swim first, before learning how to savo others from drowning. It appears to mo that a grave charge like this should not pass without denial and censure from members of tho teaching profession. Clause 3 of tho report is incomprehensible to me. I should like some member of the sub-committee to explain in reasonably clear language what it is intonded to convey. As far as I understand, the conditions which prevail in school competitions aro the same a3 those used in examining for awards. In competitions, of course, the standard is much higher. With regard to Clause 4, as long as competitions are held, a certain amount of special training must he given to those, teams which enter. A school naturally enters its best available material; and the training must he sufficiently highly specialised to convince the judges that the team is fit to win. The entry of a "raw material" team tends to lower the standard of efficiency, and, in any case, produces in the judges' minds a' bad psychological effect. This has been proved more than once, for such a team, though it does not lose marks in drill or method, is sufficiently subjugated in "general proficiency" to cause its downfall. The suggestion, therefore, that only raw material should enter should, have been scouted by the Society. There is, Sir, I submit, some need for tho revision of this report, and. for the preparation of another which will help to promote interest in life-saving in, schools.'. I. hope something will he done in the matter.—Yours,- etc., J. STRTJTHERS. April 22nd, 1926.