DROWNING TOLL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24737, 14 October 1941, Page 6

DROWNING TOLL

OCTOBER-MARCH PERIOD ROAD FATALITIES EXCEEDED URGENCY OF EDUCATIONAL WORK |> (PA.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 13; A comparative analysis of drowning* - and motor fatalities which has been prepared by the National Committee of Swimming and. Life-saving shows-'that in the October-March period "for the last 10 years, 848 drownings and 844 fatal motor accidents have occurred in New Zealand. , - The committee states that the report, which was made by Mr F. H. Jackson, gives a clear indication that the educational work in swimming and life-saving and the money to do it must be increased if the yearly total of deaths by drowning is to be reduced. Only 11 persons lost their lives while bathing at beaches.. Apparently; the report adds, most .of the fatalities were witnessed, but help was not forthcoming quickly enough to prevent tragedy. Boating Fatalities Referring to drownings from boats, the report says that 18 persons were drowned when the boat or the canoe in which-they were in capsized.- ' In nine double- boating fatalities, in all but one case at least one of the occupants of the boat managed to reach the shore or remain afloat until: help arrived. The evidence ihdicatecTthat almost all of the 10 persons lost were non-swimmers or poor swimmers/ The report proceeds: "It is.the compulsory teaching of swimming and the provision of tuition schools that is going to redu'ceTtne number of drownings that occur Once a person in danger is brought ashore too,little attention appears to be paid to treatment for shock by the application of warmth. In no. case under review is there any mention of warmth being used." -"• \- -* '' . "It is a valuable analysis with a double lesson ; for : people to learn to swim and to help swimming and lifesaving societies," stated the' Minister of; Internal Affairs. Mr W. E. Parry, commenting on the report. One of the best and most useful of exercises was swimming, the Minister added. ' The knowledge acquired- became -noble when a man, woman! .boy or girl.was sufficiently efficient to' save' aTife; ,fc ' Aid for Societies - '<%£ "The societies have a fair claim to assistance from the Government,, insurance companies, local bodies ahdthe public." Mr Parry said. "All our beaches and the principal bathing maces in rivers need continuous watchine bv experts of the societies, to whom I bow •in recognition of their great work." He said it would astonish oeoDle to know that in the OctoberMarch period during the last 10 years the drownines had exceeded the motor vehicle fatalities in the Dominion. .?*.We must keep down." Mr Parry added, "that high percentage of drownings. We must all Work to do so." ■ '..