6 DROWNED IN APRIL

Press, Volume C, Issue 29517, 19 May 1961, Page 12

6 DROWNED IN APRIL

“No Reason For Complacency”

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 18. Six people were drowned last month, the secretary of the National Water Safety Committee (Mr S. V. Higgins) announced today. In April. 1960, the total was 11. “Unfortunately, there is no reason to feel complacent,” said Mr Higgins. "The available evidence indicates that at least four of the six need not have drowned. "Three men were drowned in boating accidents. In one instance, two men were rowing out to their launch when a large wave swamped their dinghy. In another a man was drowned when an outboard motor boat was swamped by a combination of a high wind and rising seas. If these men had been a little more careful about venturing out in unsuitable conditions they might not have been drowned. "The fourth drowning was that of a two-year-old boy. He had been playing near his home with other children. He was found in a stream in about six inches of water The stream is about a quarter of a mile from the house. This is another instance of the need for children to be protected from water hazards or kept under constant supervision.”