Life-saving part of school curricula?

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33967, 7 October 1975, Page 26

Life-saving part of school curricula?

A suggestion that lifesaving and safety survive,! be included in the curricula of schools was made by Brigadier J. T. Burrows when opening the annual meeting of the Royal Lifesaving Society of New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

“New Zealand Is a country with lots of bush and water, both .coastal and fresh, and it is necessary for all to be conversant with lifesaving techniques.” he said. “The Department of Education will recognise the importance of teaching these subjects — and I would recommend the inclusion of; life-saving, safety survival,) mountaineering, and other! such courses in school curricula.” Brigadier Burrows, who is a member of the Lottery Board of Control, and was deputising for the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr May), who was unable to attend, said that substantial financial help had been given the Surf Life-Saving Association of New Zealand. “I do not think anyone would disagree with this decision,” he said. “In approving the grant, the board was satisfied that the money would be wisely used, and that it would not discourage volunteers.” “1 am glad that schools throughout New Zealand are supporting the work of the Royal Life-saving Society,” Brigadier Burrows said- “A wise teacher is quick to

recognise the value of voluntary services. Boys and girls soon learn to swim, and this saves their lives — but lifesaving teaches them to save others.” Officers elected were:— President. Mr S. E. Nichol; vice-president, Mr S. B. Mason; treasurer, Mr A. W. Mahony; awards secretary, Mr Mason; chief examiner, Mr Nichol: trustees. Messrs Nichol, Mason, and Mahony; delegate to Surf Life-saving ! Association of New Zealand, Mr W. .1, Gorely.