ADVICE TO BATHERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27028, 12 March 1949, Page 8

ADVICE TO BATHERS

Sir, —The number of drowning fatalities during the bathing season is so great throughout New Zealand that it is even becoming a check on the increase of our population, which is increasing all too slowly. When the Otago Witness was in circulation 1 wrote an article under "Pater's Notes" headed "The Drowning Season.” From the relatively few drownings that season in Otago and Canterbury it would appear that the advice offered had some effect. From early school days I have been a beach bather round about St. Clair and from observation and experience have learned how to take care of one's self. Advice: One should never bathe near the mouth of an inlet, or the mouth of a tidal river when the tidal current is running in or out, and especially so when the tidal flow is outward. (2) One should beware of bathing on a beach where there is a beach sandspit, and 13) where there is a steep short slope of the sand, which causes a dangerous undertow or suction as often noticeable off St. Kuda River dangers: Never bathe in a swift running river such as the Waitaki or Clutha, even if a strong swimmer; never dive in places of unknown depths and where there are willow roots or thick weeds as they entangle one. Where there are rocks and boulders one is apt to get concussion; such has happened more than once, even in the rock-bottom St. Clair baths. Again, never walk on the edge of a stream which has soft or crumbly banks, lest they give way under ones weight. With clothes and boots on, even for a good swimmer who does not know how to handle himself, that may be fatal. —I am, etc., Shrap.