Short Walk 'May Save A Life'

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30939, 21 December 1965, Page 28

Short Walk 'May Save A Life '

"A short journey can mean a long life,” said Mr D. Hunter, chairman of the council of the New Zealand Surf Life-saving Association. "Each summer people drown because they can’t be bothered travelling a few miles to a beach patrolled by life-savers. Instead, they bathe at an unpatrolled beach, or even worse, in a creek or river, and there is often nobody to help when they get into difficulties.”

Last year 300 persons were saved by life-savers. For them, the time and trouble taken to get to a patrolled beach had meant the difference between life and death. "This emphasises an important Tact of life’ for bathers,”

said Mr Hunter. “If you swim at a patrolled beach, our surf life-savers are ready to help. If you don’t you risk your own life and possibly that of some untrained person who may come to your aid.” Where no life-savers were within a reasonable distance, it was vital to choose a safe swimming spot. At beaches, it was best to avoid spots where there was violent or jumbled surf; waves breaking suddenly from the top in shallow water; dirty water offshore; and a strong backwash. Also, it was advisable to swim with other people to ensure that help was near. If a river or creek was the only swimming place available, it was advisable to check for hidden tree trunks, branches, snags or boulders, or for deep holes in the river bed. It was best to avoid places where these were found, and waterways with strong currents and icy water. Inflatable rubber toys, tubes from car tyres, rubber rafts, mattresses and beach balls could cause death. They were difficult to manage, especially by children; and, being easily affected by wind, tide and current, could carry users into serious danger. They also lured poor swimmers into a false sense of security and there was always a risk of them being punctured. Parents should teach children not to use rubber toys when there was an offshore wind, tide or current. “This advice is not intended to put people off bathing,” said Mr Hunter. “By pointing out some of the pitfalls, I hope l ean give an idea of how to have fun in the water without running undue risks.”