Cold Winds Deter Bathers

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30947, 31 December 1965, Page 12

Cold Winds Deter Bathers

Small numbers of bathers enjoyed fairly good conditions at most Christchurch beaches yesterday morning, but cold winds and choppy surf in the afternoon drove many from the water. At Waimairi beach, choppy surf and dumping waves, coupled with a cold easterly wind, discouraged most bathers. There were not more than 30 persons in the water at any one time.

The North Beach patrol said that although there were many bathers outside the patrolled area, there were no accidents. A small, cold, but safe surf became choppy■ and unpleasant when the wind freshened in the afternoon.

About 130 persons were in the water at New Brighton in the early afternoon but a fresh north-easterly wind moved most bathers from the beach shortly afterwards. At South Brighton, about 100 persons braved the choppy afternoon surf and a strong easterly wind. Choppy surf at Sumner kept all but a few from the water. Not more than 12 persons were bathing at one time. Cold, choppy surf in

the afternoon cleared the beach.

Sheltered Taylor’s Mistake enjoyed favourable conditions during the morning. More than 100 persons entered the surf in the morning, but south-easterly winds spoilt surfing in the afternoon.