RESCUE BY GIRLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23194, 14 November 1938, Page 8

RESCUE BY GIRLS

TWO MEN ASSISTED

CAPSIZE OF A CANOE MILFORD BEACH MISHAP DANGER SPOT OFF ROCKS Tired after vainly swimming against' a powerful current when their canoe had capsized in a rip near the northern end of Milford Beach yesterday afternoon, two men were brought ashore by three young women, members of the Milford Girls' Surf Club. After resting and having hot drinks, the men had recovered sufficiently to leave the beach unaided. The rescue was effected by Miss Auriole Merson, secretary of the club, Miss Jean Tingle and a third member. They saw the canoe, in which the two men had paddled out from the beach, capsize about 100 yards from the shore. I off the rocks between Milford and Castor Bay. Swimming Against Gurrent '.'The men seemed to be having some difficulty in swimming against the current," Miss Merson said. She explained that the locality was known to be dangerous, a boying having been .drowned at the same place last summer, and the two swimmers were making little progress. The Girls' Surf Club was holding its opening day at the beach, and three members swam out to assist the men. The reel and life-line were not used, owing to the distance the men were from the beach, but the girls swam out together. Both men were wearing swimming suits, and between them the three girls assisted them shoreward. While still in comparatively deep water, a ledge was encountered on which it Was possible to stand, and the opportunity was taken of resting for a while before continuing the swim to shore. Sleeting of Two Guirrants Once safely on the beach the men were extremely tired, Miss Merson added. She said that the canoe, which had continued to drift with the current, was brought ashore by members of the Takapuna c Surf Club. The dangerous nature of the 6pot where the canoe capsized was emphasised by Miss Merson. She said that the two currents met there, producing a powerful rip. The club was endeavouring to have a danger Big;n posted in the vicinity to warn swimmers.