BATHING ACCIDENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 21581, 29 November 1933, Page 3

BATHING ACCIDENTS.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —Thq sad fatality at St. Kilda on Saturday is perhaps a forerunner of many more such happenings if our beach is not made safe. Sonic effort should be made to extend a breakwateland thus cut off the treacherous currents which are spoiling our beach. We would have the best beach in New Zealand if it was as safe as Caroline Bav, and 1 think that the Domain Board and the Dunedin City Council .should take the matter in hand to raise funds for such a purpose. Trusting you favour such a plan as this—l am," etc., November 27. Swimmer. TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —I read in your issue to-night of the sad drowning accident of Saturday’s date, also your note that people should heed the warning to bathe between the flags. In the same issue you remark that five or six members of the St. Clair Life Saving Club got out beyond the breakers and found the current too strong, and they called assistance. Does it not seem ridiculous not to warn people before it is too late that the tide is dangerous? This could easily be done by the erection of a flagpole, and, when the tide is dangerous, having a red flag erected as a warning to bathers. If they then decide to swim they must put up with the consequences. This idea has been tried with success in a North Island town, and no swimmer would cavil at the idea of a reasonable warning. I find that when swimming is indulged in at St. Clair or St. Knda the flags are too close togother. This tends to crowding in the water, and a possible accident is not easily seen in a crowd. I would suggest that the flags be spread out and that more life guards be on duty. People wish to picnic along the beach and not close to the flags. If the life guards were spread out along the beach it would be much better for everyone, and I think the Life Saving Club would benefit by it.—l am, etc., Nelson Shield. November 27.