Minister Urges Bathers To Take Care This Summer

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 14

Minister Urges Bathers To Take Care This Summer

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 21. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr S. W. Smith) said in a broadcast tonight that the Government was right behind the National Water Safety Council in its campaign to reduce the number of accidental drownings this summer. “Death by drowning takes too heavy a toll of our people every year. Since 1953. 373 people have lost their lives through drowning. Last year, there were 100 deaths. And the tragic part of this loss of life is that, with few minor exceptions, it is preventable. Nearly half the total drownings were in smooth water. “Our surf life-saving club patrols are doing a magnificent job When we recall that they made in!* r STI*es 1 * es J ast yean we just what the position would be « em - May 1 ask *<»• your the patrols ° n ou .r beaches this summer. The second highest number of

drownings last year was from boating accidents. Here again, failure to take care was the main contributing cause. “Finally, may I remind all parents of the fatal fascination which water-holes and pools have for small children. Last year, 20 children under five years of age were drowned, and 16 between the ages of five and 10. In other words, 36 children 10 years of age and under were drowned. “We can do something about) the uncovered sump, water-hole and sheep-dip. We can make them safe by fencing them off or covering them. “Learn the Holger-Nielsen method of resuscitation. It is simple and easily applied. Have the members of your family taught —for it may enable them to save a life. Members of the Royai Life-Saving Society, or of surf life-saving clubs, will either teach you or arrange for instructors.” ■ I