LIFE-SAVERS ACTIVE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 62, 16 March 1943, Page 4

LIFE-SAVERS ACTIVE

CONSTANT BEACH PATROLS ACTIVITY AT CASTLECLIFF Constant beach patrols at weekends and holidays have been maintained during the summer by the Castlecliff Surf Section of the Royal Life-Saving Society. In spite of the war and depletion of membership, this watch has been carried out without fail. The only active members this year have been divided into two groups, girls and boys, the latter all being undec the age of 18 years. Apparently the beach has not been as treacherous as in previous years. On two occasions bathers were assisted from the surf. One was aided with a belt and line by the boys’ group, and the other was rescued with a belt and line by the girls. The boys’ group consists of 13 members. ' Five have joined the armed forces since the end of the 1941-42 season and seven boys have joined the group. The peace-time strength of this group was from 18 to 25 members.

The girls’ group has a strength of eight and was formed only two years ago. Both groups have maintained training activities throughout the summer, the girls on one night and two afternoons each week and the boys on one night, one morning and one afternoon a week.

On a recent week-end, members of the girls’ group were in Wellington for a gala life-saving display and performed creditably, specially in beach work. Their swimming, however, did not reach the standard of that shown by the other teams competing, because rough surf at Castlecliff has prevented them from putting in much training in this branch. Next year, however, this group hopes to’take part in the New’Zealand women’s and junior boys’ championships, which will probably be held in Wellington.

A tribute to the groups is paid by their instructor, Mr. T, R. Luff, who stated that this year's members have been the keenest for years.

Although most of the equipment is in good order some replacements are necessary, but these are expected to be difficult because of the war. After the war it is the intention of the section to nut the girls’ group in charge of the lower section of the beach near the moles and let the men supervise swimming at the northern end.

After being in recess since last, season the midgets came into action only six weeks ago. Ten boys is the limit in this section, and although they do no rescue work they receive constant training to prepare them for later years.