LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22005, 11 January 1935, Page 13

LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT

Sir, —Tn reference to life-saving equipment on our east coast beaches, ]Mr. Ellice complains of lack of financial support from people frequenting these beaches. 1 should like to point out that the majority of these beaches are not surf beaches and it is only on very rare occasions that arty accident occurs. As evidence of this "the Eastern United Surf Club has only recently been established and.up till the time of its establishment no fatalities on these beaches have occurred. T am sure it would he much appreciated if these men, fine fellows as they may be, would confine their attentions to some beaehos where real danger exists, such as at Orewa or Long Bay. 1 have been a resident during the Christmas vacation at, Brown's Bay in a house with a beach frontage for the past 14 years, and not once have I seen any occasion arise which called for the use of a life-line or special surf boat. I am sure the objects of this fine body of men are good, but there is no scope for their actions at such safe beaches as Brown's Bay. Those surf ciubs who operate at genuine surf beaches, where they are an absolute necessity, are not lacking in support from those who frequent these resorts. Of this I am sure. One cannot expect the public to contribute to a club which, while purporting to be of great service to the community is, in reality, purely a social body. A Swimmer.