SHARK PATROLS FOR SURF CARNIVALS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30364, 13 February 1964, Page 12

SHARK PATROLS FOR SURF CARNIVALS

Periodic shark - spotting flights by Canterbury Aero Club planes would supplement patrols at beaches from Waimairi to Taylor’s Mistake during surf carnivals, it was announced at a meeting of the executive of the Canterbury Surf Life-Saving Association last evening.

The flights, each lasting 30 minutes, would be made over the next two week-ends for •carnivals ait North Beach on February 15 and 16 and at Taylor’s Mistake on February 23. said the secretary, Mr M B. Restall.

Planes would be used on these days because all craft would be taking part in the co npetitions, he said. On Saturday flights would be at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. On Sundays there would be four flights at 9 am., 11 a.m., 2

p.m., or 4 p.m., depending on the weather.

In addition, the Sumner Lifeboat Institute will send its crew to patrol the area near the carnival on Saturday. The Sea Scouts will take over patrol duty on Sunday in the older Sumner lifeboat Further arrangements will be made for the next Sunday.

Aircraft and lifeboats will be in constant touch by radio with their headquarters which will telephone required information.

The six local surf clubs will be asked to maintain patrols in their surf canoes or boats during normal patrol hours on their own beaches at weekends

Clubs will also be instructed to see that their craft are equipped with warning flags and other equipment. Because the possibility of riccochet, firearms will not be carried.