BATHERS' PLIGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23232, 29 December 1938, Page 8

BATHERS' PLIGHT

MAN AND TWO DAUGHTERS ESCAPE FROM DROWNING [BY TELEGRArH—OWN CORRESPONDENT] DUNEDIX, Wednesday A narrow escape from drowning or serious injury was experienced by throo bathers at Brighton Beach yesterdn y afternoon, when they got into difficulties near a small island not far from the shore. The beach was thronged with people enjoying tho pleasant weather, and the incident was followed tensely by the crowds. A man and his two daughters were swimming in not very deep water near the small island, when suddenly the father was seen to disappear in a deep hole. He reappeared a moment later, but was handicapped by the strong breakers and the set of tho current toward tho rocky island from swimming to safety. Instead, he found himself steadily drifting toward the rocks. Noticing their father's plight, the girls called for help and went to his assistance, but straightway got into difficulties themselves. One of them became entangled in a mass of floating kelp, but was rescued by her father, who had succeeded in gaining a foothold on the island, although he had received rather painful bruises and abrasions from being tossed against tho jagged rocks. The other girl was rescued by some young men who had hastened to the scene. Except for shock and minor bruises and abrasions, the three bathers were little the worse for their experience.