BATHING RISKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23222, 16 December 1938, Page 13

BATHING RISKS

COMBINED APPEAL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS A LONG LIST OF "DONTS" A combined warning awl appeal to bathers throughout New Zealand not to take risks endangering themselves and others have been issued by the National Committee of Swimming and Ilil'e-saving. The honorary secretary to the Auckland branch, Mr. AV. 0. Stockley, said yesterday that, in addition to promoting the national "loarn-to-swim" campaign this summer, the committee was also active in educating the public in water safety, in the hope of minimising the number of drowning fatalities. It was using every means possible to advise bathers on safety measures. The precautions advised by the National Committee are as follows: Don't take risks when bathing; use cominonsense. Don't bathe too soon after a meal; wait at least an hour. Don't go beyond your depth alone. Don't jump or dive into water the depth of which you do not know. Don't stay in tlie water when feeling numb or cold. Don't play near creeks, troughs or sheep dips; children drown in them. Don't try to swim across rivers, streams or currents; it is not worth the risk. Don't over tire yourself when bathing. Don't play with rubber floats and rubber balls or use them to assist, you in swimming; they are dangerous. Don't lose your head if attacked with cramp or in danger; lie calmly on your back and try to attract help. Don't bathe away from the crowd; there is' safety in numbers. Don't bathe outside the marked safetv areas.