SIRENS TO WARN BATHERS OF SHARKS WOULD CAUSE PANIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18641, 19 December 1928, Page 1

SIRENS TO WARN BATHERS OF SHARKS WOULD CAUSE PANIC.

SURF EXPERT DOES NOT FAVOUR NEW SCHEME. (Special to the “Star.”) SYDNEY, November 20. The official head of the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia, Mr C. D. Paterson, does not favour the-pro-posal to instal electric sirens on Bondi and Bronte beaches to warn surfers of the approach of sharks, says a Sydney paper. Mr Paterson holds that it would cause a stampede among people in the water, and occasion unnecessaryscares. Mr Paterson, who is considered an authority on surf life-saving, says that in the history of surfing on Australian beaches, there have been remarkably few shark attacks in proportion to the number of people who go to the seaside for recreation. Alarmists have done enough already, say’s Mr Paterson, and there are many' people who alway’S enter the breakers with a “panicky feeling.” If the sirens being considered by' YVayprley Council are put on beaches, he adds, it will mean that if a shark is sighted hundreds of yards from one extremity' of the beach, people half a mile away will leave the water.

All that is required on the beaches, in his opinion, are efficient lookouts, with a serviceable bell close at hand. What with permanent towers and the new portable, ladders, there is quite enough provision for a reasonable margin of safety.

According to the surfmen’s chief, the ideas aired at Newcastle for the attraction of sharks by' baits, and their systematic killing, are ridiculous. If a shark is killed it only brings more in the proximity.