THE ST. CLAIR FATALITY.

Evening Star, Issue 17279, 18 February 1920, Page 3

THE ST. CLAIR FATALITY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In reply to your correspondent “ Briny,” I do not agree with his remarks that a jetty, a rowing boat, etc., would solve the problem. Every beach in Now Zealand and elsewhere is dangerous as long as the bather concerned takes the risk. I witnessed, a week or two ago, a “ surfer,” quite possibly a powerful swimmer, equipped with all the necessary headgear, etc., swimming hundreds of yards out from the beach, well beyond the breakers, enjoying himself thoroughly. He was able to get back. Rut there are'times. unknown to the best of swimmers, when It is impossible to cope with the undercurrent. Ihe fact of this particular swimmer .being a long way out was an incentive for others to try their prowess. We do not wish the Melbourne boat to start off from St. Clair beach. We require bathers to use their common sense, and to bathe within the breakers and within a reasonable limit. If a bather wishes to swim, let him indulge in the Sc. Clair Baths. When an intrepid bather gets beyond his limit, it is not only his 'life which is at stake, but aho those who arc willing to endeavor to save.—l am, etc., Surfer. February 17.