SURF BATHING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16138, 15 January 1913, Page 10

SURF BATHING.

THE PROTECTION OF BATHERS. DISCUSSED BY SUMNER BOROUGH COUNCIL. At last night's meeting of the Sumner Borough Council a communication was received from the Sumner branch of the Royal Life Saving Society, miking ' tho following suggestions for the regulation of bathing: That bathing should not be permitted on the beach between the pier and the men's bathing shelter; that, trunks should be worn over a neck-to-knee costume;, that it should bo compulsory for all when sun bathing in the shelters to wear trunks, except boys under twelve years of age; that a reel shelter should ;bo erected at the bath house on the pier level. On account of the proposed restriction of bathing the branch would 'be pleased to meet the Council again to _sefect another building site. Regarding shelters, the Society wrote, asking that tho women's shelter should be moved with 100 yards of the men's shelter; that an opening should be made in tho form of a pair of double doors, so that in each shelter a life-saving reel could be kept; that in the interests of the public safety surf bathing should be restricted to a portion of the beach sav 150 yards wide in the vicinity of tho shelter sheds;. that memljers of the Society who had proved themselves effi* cient lifo-savera and who, were willing to patrol, the beach and- safeguard bathers at this spot should: be entrusted with tlie powers of special constables, as was dono at, Manly, Bondi,, and Coogec; that notices should bef posted in prominent positions stating that life-saving reels would be kept near the pier, at the men's bathing shed, at the ladies' bathing sheoVand at i Mr Sutherland's' houso (Bell s baths), and giving directions foi\ the use of tho reels. , <j The Mayor (Mr H. J. Marrmer) stated that, although the Borough Council really had no power to framf by-laws on tho subject, he had been assured that the controlling authority —the Lyttelton Harbour Board—would confirm anything done in the matter by the Council. •,''•! Councillor Lawrence said that during the present season in Sydney > there had been an alarming increase in the number of bathing fatalities, but good rescue work had been done by the beach patrols, who, having power as special constables, guarded tho. beaches against anything of an indelicate nature. , ■'•','•.•' The Mayor said that some restriction in the bathing area was necessary, in order to give the patrols a chance to do effective work. . '.•' / ..'.-•■■ Considerable discussion took place unon the general question of protecting bathers, and it was eventually decided to ask the By-laws Committee to frame a report on the proposals or the Life Saving Society.

'SATURDAY'S COLLECTION. A meeting of tho committee of the Royal Life - Saving Society was . held in the St John Ambulance Rooms: iast ;^- evening, Mr F. T. Ager presiding. Reference was made to the bathing fatalities which had occurred that afternoon at Herring Bay, and those present were urged to do all in their power in connection with the collection on Saturday, as funds were urgently needed. It was also urged that the local authorities should immediately define the' areas which were safe for bathing. Mrs Marriner and Mrs Bassett were to superintend the refreshments in the St John Ambulance rooms.. Mrs Tieleaven ,Mrs Dougall and Mrs Collins signified their willingness to supervise tlie various stations. Messrs J. Treleaven, J. J. Dougall and Collins were appointed as supervisors. The Tramway Board wrote, signifying its willingness to place posters advertising the collection on the trams and also' to allow subscription lists to bo circulated amongst its employees. Offers of assistance were received from Messrs Bryant, Clarkson and Collins as special collectors. ■• ..■••..-.