DEATHS BY DROWNING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20162, 24 January 1929, Page 10

DEATHS BY DROWNING.

TOLL DURING HOLIDAYS.

LARGE DOMINION TOTAL.

NEED OF SCHOOL TUITION.

No fewer than 37 accidents, involving the loss of 46 lives by drowning, have occurred in various parts of New Zealand during the past month. Included in the total aro 18 bathing fatalities and six boating accidents, resulting in 10 deaths. Since December 24 there has been an average of well over one drowning case a day. Only ono occurred in Auckland, a small boy being drowned in Hobson Bay when a canoe capsized. In view of the heavy toll of life among bathers it is noteworthy that although the Auckland beaches have been crowded daily ever since the commencement of the warm weather, there lias been no untoward happening. In common with Wellington, there aro now surf and lifesaving clubs in Auckland, and these bodies, which operate especially during week-ends and holidays, have no doubt done much to ensure safety. There have been several instances of bathers getting into difficulties at North Shoro beaches during the past few weeks, and prompt assistance lias been available.

The importance of teaching children to swim is particularly evident in a country such as New Zealand, where so many facilities for bathing aro found. There have been many tragedies which could havo been averted had thoso thrown into tho water from boats been reasonably strong swimmers. Then again, persons carried out from a beach usually disappear suddenly, whereas a good swimmer placed in such a position would be more or less equal to tho occasion. In such cases it is futile to fight against currents and for that reason swimmers who allow themselves to be carried out a little and then strike out for another part of the beach stand better chances of reaching safety.

Association's Endeavours. For many years the New Zealand Swimming Association has endeavoured to impress upon tho Government the need of compulsory swimming instruction in schools. It is realised that at present facilities for this aro very poor, and little or no encouragement has been given to the association in its work. Besides existing for the enjoyment of its members the association and its branches throughout the country regard its operations very largely as a necessity. Tho recent heavy list of fatalities shows that swimming and life-saving instruction should receive even greater attention in both town and country.

It is significant that accidents have by no means been confined to tho seaside, and several children have been drowned by falling into rivers. Meagre as are the facilities for organised instruction in the citv, opportunities are even fewer in the country districts. From time to time the various swimming centres have organised "learn-to-swim" weeks in their districts and have placed skilled instructors at the disposal of school authorities. However, occasional campaigns have not proved of permanent value, for it is realised that in each succeeding school year there arc children who need elementary training.

At present the New Zealand Swimming Association receives an annual subsidy of £2OO from the Government, but this is considered quite inadequate. Numerous attempts have been made to secure an increase, and a determined effort is to be made this year to obtain £IOOO a year in future. With such a sum the association would bo able to help to form swimming and life-saving clubs now badly needed. Appointment of Instructors.

Mr. J. Enwright, chairman of the Auckland Centre, stated last evening that the New Zealand Association had consistently advocated the appointment by the Government of two instructors, one for each island. These men would visit schools where baths were available, and swimming would be a compulsory part of the curriculum. In addition, they would carry out instruction at training colleges, so that teachers themselves could also act as instructors. The largo number of fatalities recently was alarmins, and proved the necessity for some definite policy by the Government. Much necessary work could be done if the swimming subsidy wore increased.

A life-saving reel was lying on the hills at Muriwai, but there was 110 one there capable of working it during the weekends. It was perhaps easy enough to run a rope out to a person in distress, but inexperienced persons operating tho land lino would probably drown those whom they desired to save before they dragged them to tho beach. Such an occurrence was not unknown. Muriwai was notoriously dangerous, and some provision should be made to supervise bathing there.

Many accidents were caused at the beaches by persons being overpowered by breakers, Mr. Enwright added. Few people who swam at beaches wliero there wero breakers knew how to escape the full forco of the waves. If a wave had started to curl the bather should put his head under tho water and let it pass over linn harmlessly. It was useless to breast a curling wave, as it would probably overcome a weak swimmer. "I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that about 00 per cent, of tho bathing fatalities at beaches are duo to the fact that people do not know how to behavo when m difficulties," Mr. Enwright said.