BOATING INCIDENT.

Evening Star, Issue 25160, 27 April 1944, Page 6

BOATING INCIDENT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—As the parent of one of the lads who made the journey to Blackhead recently, and as life-saving instructor to all of them, may 1 be permitted to correct the inaccuracies and exaggerations in your report on that journey? The boat and its crew landed on the St. Clair beach in daylight, within a few minutes of 6 p.m., and not in darkness at 7.45 p.m., as your report states. The fact that not one drop of water was shipped over the sides refutes the statement that the landing was made with difficulty, while 20 people, including a numiber of school children, would be a more correct estimate of the number present. All these lads passed through my hands during part of their primary education, and I claim to know them intimately. A little daring they may be—what boy worth his salt is not?—-but foolhardy they definitely are not. They have a very healthy respect for the St. Clair surf in its turbulent moods, and the trip was made, only after a careful study of the prevailing conditions. A "flat" sea, an off-shore wind to keep it so, an unsiukable surf boat, and a set of lifebelts—taken, I admit, more with the idea of softening the hard seats than of putting them to their proper use—do not, in my opinion, indicate foolhardiness. Such inaccurate statements as are contained in your report are damaging to the prospects of our club, at a time when its officers are endeavouring to encourage these lads to carry on an important, civic duty in the place of its 90 senior members who are with the armed forces. —I am, etc., B. F. Simonsen. (Hon. Treas., St. Clair Life Saving Club). April 27. [The ' Star ' was misinformed as to the time the boat arrived back at St. Clair beach. Inquiry shows" that the craft did return at about 6 o'clock, before darkness fell. A number of parents were, however, becoming very anxious at that time, and did set about making inquiries, while a number of people walked overland to Blackhead to see if the youths were safe.—Ed. E.S.'J