A FATAL DIVE

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 119, 5 February 1923, Page 4

A FATAL DIVE

THE DAY’S BAY FATALITY ERECTION OF NOTICE BOARD URGED f The urgent necessity for tho erection at the Day’s Bay Wharf of a notice board warning bathers against diving from the pior at low tido was stressed by the Coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S-M., on Saturday, at an inquest touching the death of Adolphus Lodge, the yic‘tim of the Day’s Bay bathing fatality :, on 'Thursday. '■ Tho evidence indicated that the deceased, who resided at. 315 The Terrace, was picnicking at Day’s Bay With a party from tfio Education Department. Lodge, deciding to have a swim, took a dive from tho wharf, but owing to the '.low depth of water he struck the bottom, and when he camo to the surface assistance was necessary to bring him ashore. When seen by Nurse Coogan at the pavilion a little later. Lodge was in a semi-conscious rendition, and upon the arrival of Dr. Fell he was removed to the hospital, suffering from a severe injury to the spine. His condition gradually became worse and at 8 p.m. the following day he died.

“It seems a pity,” remarked Nurse Coogan, “that where there are many thousands of people congregating, first aid outfits are not available, although in this particular case nothing more coulcl have been done for“ the unfortunate young man.” Tho Coroner observed that although . diving might be safe enough .'at .high tide, at low water it should not be and a notice should bo erected warning bathers to that effect. No doubt, added tho Coroner, the authorities would take the necessary steps in the direction suggested. A verdict wias returned that deceased died from a fractured spine caused as the result of his diving into shallow water at Day’s Bay. Sergeant Cox, who appeared -for the police, intimated that the Coroner’s recommendations: would be conveyed to the authorities.