SWIMMING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 December 1924, Page 9

SWIMMING.

“LEARN TO SWIM” WEEK

In view of the large ’number of deaths irom drowning every, year there is a proposal in Wellington to inaugurate a ‘’Learn to Swim” week. Writing on the subject in the Wellington Evening Rast “Reader” deals with the matter as' follows : The proposed “Learn to Swim” weex is a project that will commend itself to all sections of the people-, not only for educational purposes, but for the very valuable effect it will have on the general welfare of the community, in that for every- person taught to swim the corresponding loss of lire by drowning is reduced almost •by the same number. Just recently Mr. A. J. Fernandez, chairman of the Auckland centre N.Z.A.S.A., in stressing the need for continued effort amongst school children, mentioned the -if act that during the Last ten years, no les,s than 1500. people had lost their lives through drowning in the Dominion. These figures are appalling, and give -cause for serious thought, but high as they are, they would have been higher had it not been for the past efforts of the N. Z. A.S.A. and its centres, and through them, their educational officers. Clubs also have assisted materially, particularly the Ponsonby Club, in Auckland, in furthering the art of swimming. The thousands of learners’ certificates issued during the last few seasons are in themselves sufficient 'rereogUitMn, and proof that this important work is receiving the attention and prominence from the controlling authorities that it should do. It is felt, however, that a great deal more can yet he done in the matter of teaching people to swim, and it is for this reason that the “Learn to Swim” week is suggested. This proposal opens lip vast possibilities, and if organised on the right lines would prove its worth in an immeasurable manner. A large amount of detail work would, of course, be necessary, for which outside assistance would be required. b”t no o t d’tf’cultv should be experienced in that respect. With every town throughout the Dominion, big or small. operating simviltnneoiv'y everybody, young or old, receiving education in the art. demonstrations of swimming and life-saving, lectures bv medical authorities and. experienced swimmers pictures featuring Dm sport, articles in the dailv press, dis-t-’”-ntion cf IRevatnre, etc., and many othe" v-av s and means of imparting knowledge, the success of such a

s'cheme is readily apparent. All swimming bodies will, of course, >.cquire the co-operation of the general public, but any proposition which aims to reduce the high percentage of drowning cases as disclosed in the figures mentioned, cannot help but have the support of all right-think-ing people, by reason of the humane aspect it carries. The Government, City, and Borough Councils. Education Boards, and all other bodies, would uo doubt lend assistance. If the N.Z.A.S.A adopt proposal, and there is every likelihood "that they will, a big step forward will have been made in the direction of giving to those people who cannot already swim an opportunitv to acouire an accomplishment that is as advantageous at is is necessary.