MANY BATHERS IN PERIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20474, 28 January 1930, Page 10

MANY BATHERS IN PERIL

SWEPT INTO /DEEP WATER.

RESCUES FROM SURF.

GOOD WORK WITH LIFE-LINE.

SUDDEN CHANGE IN CURRENT. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] . PALMERSTON NORTH, Monday. A number of narrow escapes from drowning took place on the ocean beach at Manawatu Heads, near Foxton, yesterday. Inexperien«te-,of the tide was mainly responsible for the bathers getting into difficulties. Early, in the day there was a strong run in toward the beach, but with remarkable' suddenness. the changing tide assumed a swift run in the opposite direction.

Bathers who had found the conditions quite safe previously were taken unawares. The danger .was accentuated by the fact that the set of the tide carried swimmers from comparatively shallow water into the deep area almost before they could realise their peril. There vrere scores of "bathers in the surf at tjae time! The first sign of distress was when cries for help were received from twb small boys, J. Cheetham and L. H. Liilkiater. They had been playing in the shallow water, but had been drawn" into deep water by the strong and treacherous curtent. When their cries attracted attention they were , seen struggling well out of their depth and drifting- out beyond the breakers. Several swimmers hastily went to their assistance. Mr. Allan Robbie, of Palmerston North, went out, but became exhausted in the strong undertow and had a difficult struggle later to reach the line.

Two Rescuers Exhausted. At the same time it; was seen that Miss Grace Linklater and Miss Helen Hunter were also in difficulties and were signal r ling for help. Half a dozen men and Miss M. Linklater swam out. In the meantime a lifeline was run out and manned. Mr. K. Moffatt donned the belt and dashed into the waves with Messrs. R. and J. Linklater, G. Dawick, G. Abraham, Cole and A. W. Yortt close behind. They were assisted by several other swimmers who manned the line, intruding Captain Hancox,. of the vessel Foxton, and Mr. R. Reay, of Foxton. By this time it was apparent that the distressed ■ swimmers .were in a desperate plight. Fine work was/done by Messrs. Cole and F. L. A. Gortz, although the latter had a physical handicap, they were breasting the breakers before the arrival of the reel, and reached two of the swimmers, but were-unable to. struggle back against the current. They were almost exhausted when dragged in by the lifeline. One of the boys and a girl are children of Mr. J. Linklater, M.P. for Manawatu.- Fortunately none suffered from their narrow escape. Girl's Condition Serious. , The condition of Miss Helen Hunter, whom, it was found impossible to take in with th 9 first withdrawal "of the life-; line, was more serious. She was in the last stages of exhaustion when the line went' out the second tima, and she /was brought ashore in' a semi-conscious condition, assisted by Miss M. Linklater and others. Artificial respiration was applied, and after ten minutes she recovered sufficiently to be taken by car to Mr. Linklater's beach residence.

Most of the rescuers reached the short in an exhausted condition- and had to rest on the sand to recover. Several who had dashed into the water at the first cries of alarm were not strong enough swimmers to withstand the current, and had to seek the assistance of the lifeline. At one period 'there, were about eight clutching the lifeline for safety.

Less than half ail hcrir afterwards several members of a Dannevirkft party who had arrived after the first episode and were unaware of it, ventured into the water. They were within the lines of the breakers, with .the exception of one who was considerably further out, when they were caught..fcy the set and carried out of their depth almost to the spot where the others had been in periL" Cries for help attracted attention. and three bathers could be seen in difficulties. Calls Promptly Answered. Fortunately most of the men who had been mainly instrumental in effecting the first rescue returned to the beach at that moment. Without hesitation they plunged in again, and were, soon making their way. to those who were making desperate signals for assistance. A young man was soon able to find his feet again with timely assistance, but Miss Keitha Cornwall, of Dannevirke, was almost drowned. Only her strenuous efforts kept her above water until, with the aid / of a lifeline, she was brought safely ashore by Mr. L. Cape. Artificial respiration was applied, and after some time she recovered sufficiently to be moved to Mr. Linklater's. cottage. After the rescue several swimmers were - stretched out on the sand.