BATHING FACILITIES ON THE BAY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21179, 28 October 1938, Page 11

BATHING FACILITIES ON THE BAY

To the Editor of “The Timaru Herald” Sir, —It is to be hoped that others will second "Keen Swimmer’s” letter regarding the need of a proper diving platform or raft for the Bay. The slippery, tar-smeared, and hideous construction now offered every year for the use of vacationists is a most perilous affair, and not worthy of the name of a resort facility. On days when the swift surf comes in, swimmers can be seen clutching and clambering to get aboard the “raft,” only to be thrown back into the sea; and once boarded there is no possibility of lounging or even perching comfortably.' The would-be adventurers arrive out of the water striped with tar and rust, not to mention bruises and scratches. Nor are the results of daring this plaything always so comical. There being a complete lack of railings and any firm support to which to cling, a young man was flung off by a choppy sea, last season, and swept beneath the cumbrous mass of heaving drums. Only the quick tactics of a fellow bather averted tragedy. As tire recent letter suggests, a well-built platform with a springboard is required, and one or two railed (and painted) rafts for the convenience of those who cannot swim far. By all means let us have usable, dependable facilities of this kind; their lack is a long-standing trouble, and a great deal more important than municipal flutters over willow trees and amphitheatres which will never, alas, look Roman, nor even cheerful.—l am, etc., JANTZEN. Timaru, October 27.