DEATHS BY DROWNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24103, 23 October 1941, Page 15

DEATHS BY DROWNING

INCREASE IN NEW ZEALAND The increase of 12 per cent in drowning fatalities in New Zealand during the year ending on March 31 last was the subject of reference by Dr. T. H. Pettit in his presidential address to delegates present at the annual meeting of the Auckland Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. Over the last 10 years, continued Dr. Pettit, there had been more deaths by drowning than as the result of road accidents. Ihe I act that more people had been drowned, in spite of the efforts ol the New Zealand Amateur Swimming . Association and the generous assistance given by the Government in promoting instruction campaigns, emphasised the necessity lor teaching every child to swim. Dr. Pettit expressed his satisfaction that, after persistent efforts, a swimming pool at. Papakura camp was nou a reality. There would be pools at the Whonuapai and Hobsonville air bases this summer, and water was at last available for the pool erected some time ago at Trenthani camp. I he importance of swimming ability to every member of the fighting services was justified bv the fact that the training of the British Army included swimming with packs. It was resolved that a letter should be sent to Mr. G. Mush, chairman of the sports sub-committee of the Auckland Patriotic Council, thanking him for his personal efforts in having a swimming pool built at Papakura camp.