Local Bodies Asked For Beach Safety Gear

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30530, 27 August 1964, Page 10

Local Bodies Asked For Beach Safety Gear

f, The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, Aug. 26. The New Zealand Surf LifeSaving Association’s council believes that local bodies should be responsible' for installing safeguarding equipment on the beaches under their control. In its annual report, the council says it does not wish

to assume responsibility for the. installation of such equipment. . The association has voluntarily accepted responsibility for patrolling certain beach areas during holiday, periods, but it considers that the installation of live-saving equipment at unpatrolled beaches is the direct responsibility of the local body controlling the particular beach, the report says. During the last year the council called for reports on the installation of equipment. “From information received we have a broad picture from which further representations are to be made to the Municipal Association. “Your council provided a sum of £536 from a Government grant to cover urgent and necessary installations of portable life-line equipment. This permitted the purchase of 33 units, which will be installed in the coming season at known danger points through the country.” The council says a tragedy at Bethell's Beach, Auckland, last summer emphasised the need for a broader outlook 1 on the question. In this case life-saving equipment on the beach had been removed byvandals. The value of the equipment , was also graphically illustra- ; ted last summer, the council , believes. Three rescues were ’ reported, involving the use of , the equipment and carried out by persons not trained in the ' | art of rescue.