EXCITING RESCUE MADE AT SUMNER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19269, 5 January 1931, Page 14

EXCITING RESCUE MADE AT SUMNER.

FINE WORK DONE BY THE LIFE-SAVING TEAM.

A very fine rescue was made at Surai ner yesterday, about mid-day, when Mr C. de Pass, of 364, Papanui Road, was brought ashore by the Sumner Life Saving team in a state bordering on collapse. Mr de Pass was bathing with Mr P. R. Climie, of Head Street, Sumner. A very rough choppy nor-west sea was breaking on the beach and the Scarborough rocks, and the water was unexpectedly cold as the result of the Waimakariri current. Both men suddenly found themselves carried into deep water and Mr Climie, realising that the assistance of a life-saving line would be necessary, and knowing Mr de Pass to be a good swimmer, succeeded in reaching the beach and in giving the alarm. Howling Nor-wester.

The accident took place at the extreme end of the beach, outside the recognised safe bathing area in the vicinity of the Life Saving Club's bathing pavilion. A young lad, in the face of a howling nor’-wester, made quick work over a quarter of a mile run and gave the alarm at the club’s headquarters. Another helper meanwhilie set off to the boat harbour to try to secure the help of the open lifeboat. Mr T. Climie, Mr J. Duncan and Mr 11. Winton fought their way through the surf and supported Mr de Pass, who by this time was drifting towards the entrance of Boat Harbour, very exhausted by the cold and his efforts, yet very deliberately saving his strength by keeping his head and floating. Life-Savers* Big Task.

With a good four hundred yards’ run in front of them, the life-saving, team quickly organised into their proper positions, dashed down the beach, and. panting with their long run. took to the water. K. J. Lowry and D. Richardson battling through the surf as supports, and the club captain, J. Sutherland, as beltman, getting through with the line in admirable style. The linesmen were J. Mitchell, J. Framley and C. M’Phail, with S.' G. Henry as reelman and N. G. Winter as instructor. Two other club members were also in the surf. Lowry and Richardson took over from Climie and Duncan, both of whom had rendered invaluable assistance; and, on the arrival of Sutherland, the beltman took charge of Mr de Pass so successfully, that he was able to keep his head above the surf during the whole of the haul in. No Assistance Needed. Though many hands wanted to assist with the line, the team insisted on no interference, and, when Mr de Pass was . laid on the beach conscious, but very much exhausted, resuscitation was resorted to for a short time, with promotion of circulation and warmth and he was placed in a motorcar and taken to his holiday residence in Dryden Street. He was treated by Dr Bakewell, and later in the afternoon had made a splendid recovery. Whilst the work done by the lifesaving club at such a long distance from the pavilion was almost perfect in every detail, the officers warmly praised the cool-headedness of Mr de Pass, whom they described as an excellent subject. They also expressed their admiration of those who supported Mr de Pass till their arrival. Heavy Undertow. In heavy nor’-west weather the water near Scarborough is badly affect-, ed by a current running past the rocks out to Whitewash Head. The undertow is very heavy and under these conditions bathers have always been recommended to keep between Stoke Street and. Euston Street, where they can be easily watched by the officials of the club and, what is of perhaps greater importance, quickly reached by the life-saving team in case of accident. It is no easy thing to fight with belt and line through heavy surf after a quarter of a mile run. Mr T. Climie, who had an attack of cramp, was assisted by one of the surfmen till he was able to reach the shore without further assistance. Mr de Pass is an old resident of Sumner and keenly interested in swimming and land sports. He is well known in the city amongst motorists, being connected with one of the big motoring firms.