SURF PATROLS PRAISED

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27490, 26 October 1954, Page 14

SURF PATROLS PRAISED

•REMARKABLE RECORD’ IN PREVENTING DROWNINGS

Praise for the work of swimming organisations and surf patrols is given by the Prevent Drowning Campaign Committee in its survey of drownings last summer.

“The surf life-saving clubs have achieved a remarkable record in keeping the many beaches they patrol free from drownings,” the committee says. “Their flagged stretches of beach should be a signal to all people that they may there enjoy the pleasures of safe bathing. Those bathers who venture outside these areas are adding possible danger to their own pleasures and making the task of the voluntary surfmen more arduous.

“If it were not for the presence of members of surf life-saving club patrols at beaches, the number of drownings last season would probably have been more than doubled. Returns from only 37 of the 65 clubs affiliated to the national association indicate that as many as 171 people were rescued, the great majority of whom would undoubtedly have lost their lives. In addition, 12 persons were resuscitated and 89 were given first aid.

“Closely associated with the campaign to prevent drownings is the work of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, the Royal LifeSaving Society, and the New Zealand Surf Life-Saving Association. The good work done by the swimming association in schools last year resulted in easily a record number of certificates being awarded to children who learnt to swim,” the committee says.