Surf rescue in Russley pool

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33665, 15 October 1974, Page 7

Surf rescue in Russley pool

The machine was presented to the club by the president of the Christchurch North Lions’ Club (Mr R. Thompson),

The German-made device is used to transport the rescuer (in this case, Mr Craig) to the patient (Mr Hope* — and a neoprene buoyancy belt, which is attached to the scooter by rope, is then strapped round the patient. The machine then tows ■ both rescuer and patient back to shore. ' Should the rescuer let go of the machine when he ' reaches the patient, the machine orbits the swimmer - at idling speed. The machine is commonly used overseas for surf-rescue | work and, for those who can (afford it — for pleasure. ( ' Since its distribution ini (New Zealand through a; Palmerston North firm, the; device, which retails about! ’ $250, has been used by I ‘(several North Island life-; (saving clubs. The Spencer Park club,; 1 winner of the Canterbury surf life-saving clubs’ ! efficiency award for the last . four years, is the first South 1 Island club to have an aqua- • scooter among its equipment. Mr Craig said that the 1 machine would be used for ' rescue work only. It has a 2 h.p. 50 c.c. engine which runs 1 on petrol and is capable of ■ a speed of seven knots. i Air intake of the engine is 1 ensured by a 3ft snorkel. - The construction of the ■ machine makes it possible to work among breakers and to traverse strong currents. ■'i The machine enables a t! life-saver to approach a - person in difficulties through the roughest seas, and arrive I with strength conserved for tithe rescue work. II It can also be used for the s recovery of capsized dinghies 1 and boats carried away by iwind or current.