SAFETY IN SURF

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1940, Page 4

SAFETY IN SURF

HINTS TO BATHERS The captain of the Greymouth Surf Life Saving Club warns bathers to bathe between the red flags marked on the beach. The Blaketown Beach is in safe order, and if swimmers will take care, and swim between the two red flags, if anything happens, the reel and line can soon be run out. The following are useful hints to swimmers: — . (1) Don’t bathe directly after meals. (2) Don’t bathe outside the area indicated by flags on the beach. (3) Don’t bathe in quiet secluded spots where the beach is unattended. (4) Don’t bathe where the water is calm, always choose a spot where the waves are rolling evenly shorewards. Still water runs deep. On entering the water pick out a suitable landmark on the beach, ana see that the cross-currents do not carry you away from that point, as unconsciously you may drift into an out-running current. ‘ (5) Don’t get excited if caught in the undertow. Signal for help by raising your arms in a perpendicular manner, and adopt a floating position, until help arrives. (6) Don’t stay in the water feeling cold or numb. Come out immediately, or cramp may be the result. (7) Don’t struggle if seized witn cramp. Signal for help by raising your arm and maintain a floating position. Try and keep the affected part still. Cramp alone cannot drown a man. Fear does. (8) Don’t struggle against the current. Swim diagonally across it. (9) Don’t interfere when a rescue is being performed by qualified Life Savers, unless requested by one in authority. Keep cool and calm'and by your example help to control others. (10) Don’t interfere *with the line reel or belt/It-is dangerous. It is already set. Delays are dangerous. (11) Don’t stay in the water when an alarm is given. Bathers should leave the water, because it gives the Surf Club a fair chance to do their work.' . , '. (12) Don’t forget what the Surf Club has told you and carry out the rules. '■