BATHERS’ PLIGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23693, 28 December 1938, Page 8

BATHERS’ PLIGHT

THREE IN DIFFICULTIES FATHER AND TWO DAUGHTERS EXCITEMENT AT BRIGHTON BEACH A narrow escape from drowning or serious injury was experienced by three bathers at Brighton Beach yesterday afternoon when they got into difficulties near a small island not far from the shore. The beach was thronged with people enjoying the pleasant weather, and the incident was followed tensely by the crowds on the beach. It appears that 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 the current towards the rocky island from swimming to safety. Instead, he found himself, steadily drifting towards 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 from this unpleasant predicament 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 the jagged rocks. The other girl was rescued by some young men who had hastened to the scene. She was quickly taken ashore and was soon restored to consciousness.

The whole incident occupied little more than five minutes, but it caused something of a sensation among those present at the beach. Except for shock and minor bruises and abrasions, the three bathers were little the worse for their unenviable experience.