ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143400, 7 January 1911, Page 7

ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY

LOCAL EXAMINATIONS. 1

At the Municipal Baths on Friday,, Mr. H. M. Payne, of the "Wanganui; Centre of the Royal Life "Saving So-; ciety, hold an examination of the detached class, consisting of Messrs. A. C. Maxwell, F. G. Morris, E. Pfankuch, and YV. Lints. All went up for the bronze medallion (proficiency certificate) whilst PfankucTi and Lints also sat for the honorary instructors’ certificate. All wore successful. For the bronze medallion, in addition to questions on the theory of respiration and circulation, the following test had to be passed:—Land drills for rescue, release and resuscitation; same to.be done demonstrated in the water; subject to be carried a distance of 20 yards by each method of rescue; dive from surface of water, pick up an object and swim 100 yards breast strike.; 50 yards by back stroke without using the hands. All passed very creditably, and were commended by the examiner tor the zeal shown. This morning Messrs, Pfankuch and Lints went for the award of merit, which carries also the society’s oxidised silver medal. This is the second highest award made by the society. The examination is a severe one, and both students were successful. Pfankuch passed particularly well, getting 95 marks out of HO. This is the highest number yet secured by any successful candidate under the YVanganui'Centre. The conditions for this award nrc as follows:—Fully dressed, except boots and coat, to carry the Subject by second method of rescue 20 yards; then to swim 600 yards in ’clothes, the firet 200 by breast stroke, second by back -stroke, third by any other stroke chosen by candidate; then undress on surface of water; dive from surface of water, pick up object; dive from heights of five and ton feet and perform three methods of scientific swimming. (The society allows twelve methods. Those usually soheted arc plunge, sculling, somersaults, motionless, floating, torpedo and propellor). The thanks of local swimmers are due to Mr. Payne, who lias taken such an interest in the matter in New Plymouth. He has boon spending his holidays hero, and so, fortunately, has been able to give a considerable amount of time to assisting the cause. We have been asked to state that separate classes will bo formed for ladies and gentlemen, and all wishing to join are requested to send in their names to Mr. F. G. Morris, at the baths. Tlie Wanganui Bnrcngb Council give Free passes to the baths to all holders of Hie Royal Life Saving "Society's bronze modal, and the Now Plymouth Council might well extend the same concession to successful candidates hero.