LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22004, 10 January 1935, Page 13

LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT

Siyr,—We have read quite a lot about surf clubs and their work 011 the beaches, and it has been suggested that '"patrols" be established 011 all our beaches. Let me give a reason why the surf clubs, up to tho present, have been unable to do so. It is the apathy of the general public toward theso "ambulances of tho beach." Two of the reasons for this are: —(1) That the members of surf clubs do not strut about in public places in striking uniforms with shiny buttons and badges and I bright headdress; thus tho public do not "see" them; (2) the average bather, being a swimmer, considers himself quite capable of looking after his own safety. Several recent events have proved tho fallacy of this. No one is quite safe while bathing, and it may be anyone's turn to be the victim of cramp, sunstroke, fits, undertow or the overturning of a boat, etc. Boforo a patrol can bo established on every beach a large expenditure of money is necessary on equipment—standardised reels, lines, bolts, surf boats, and places to house them. The only way of obtaining money for this purpose is from tho public, whom tho clubs servo gratis, the surf clubs being debarred from obtaining any grant from art union funds or from tho Government, and they are not allowed to take up a street collection. The rule of the clubs is that donations can only be used for the purpose of obtaining equipment. The clubs generally have a large membership of young men and girls, who devote a very great deal of time during week-ends and week nights training and keeping themselves physically fit for any emergency that may arise on their respective beaches. They go about their work quietly and unobtrusively and are a credit to our community. They are, however, severely handicapped by the want of adequate equipment, that already in their possession being acquired by their own efforts, chiefly. Recently uniformity in patrolmen's costumes has been established and a patrolman now wears a black costume with white diagonal stripes and a black cap with white stripes running from front to back over the head. Now. it is up to the general public to seo that these young men and women get a fair deal. They are interested in tho only sport which has for its object a humanitarian duty. When a demonstration is held on a beach it is not as an entertainment, but is held to show the public what they can do and are doing for them. Therefore, when the collection box goes around lot each one put the most he or sho can spare into the box and call it a premium on beach insurance. Then we will soon have a patrol on every beach and be able to "look for the man with white stripes" when trouble comes, for he will "be right there." Mort,ky A. Etj.ice, Vice-president, Eastern United Surf L.S. Club.