TREACHEROUS SEAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20537, 11 April 1930, Page 16

TREACHEROUS SEAS.

TWO PEOPLE DROWNED. CAUGHT IN UNDERTOW. Whilo surf-bathing at Black Head Beach, near Ballina, New South Wales, recently, two Lismoio residents, Mrs. Piercey and Mr. Nott, were diowned. A party, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. [Piercey, Miss Piercey and Mr. Nctt, was bathing, when the two persons were caught by the undertow, swept out, and drowned. Mr. Piercey was able to rescue his daughter, who was also in difficulties. Shortly afterwards, the body of Mrs. Piercey was washed near the shoro, and was recovered hy Father Gunn, tlie parish priest, who happened to be passing. With Mr. J. Torrens, he commenced resuscitation work, and kept it up until the arrival of the Government medical officer, who pronounced lifo extinct. The tide was on the ebb when the tragedy occurred, and the sea was very treacherous. Thcro is no reel or lifesaving club on tho beach, as few peoplo uwim thero.

PERIL AT BONDI BEACH. HUNDRED EXHAUSTED BATHERS. A treacherous undertow made surfing exceedingly dangerous at Bondi on Sunday, March 30, and members of tho local life-saving clubs experienced one of the busiest days this season. Throughout the flay, it was estimated, thev brought ashore morn than 100 exhausted bathers.

The clanger zone \va,s a channel not more than 25 yards from tho shore, and many of fho bathers.' in attempting to reach sandbanks further out for tho "shoots," were soon fighting hard to keep themselves from being carried out, to sea. Even tho strongest swimmers were often unablo to make any headway against tho swift undertow, and those of meaner prowess were helpless after a few minutes' struggle. Po rapid were the calls for assistance that tho beltmen were constantly effecting splendid rescues. In soino cases tho distressed bathers had to receive first-aid after being brought safely ashore. In ouo case a young woman became exhausted. Her lady companion gallantly went to her assistance, but in the meantime other bathers reached the exhausted woman and held her up until tho beltrnan arrived. After this woman had been taken ashore it was discovered that tier companion was in serious difficulties, and she, too, had to be brought ashoro and receive treatment.

Thero were many similar cases where persons went to tho assistaneo of fellowbathers, and had themselves to be brought ashore. A man gallantly rescued his daughter, declining tho assistance of the Doltman.