SURF ADVENTURE

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9319, 31 December 1938, Page 3

SURF ADVENTURE

WATER-PLANES AND OCCUPANTS SWEPT TO SEA RESCUES BY LIFE SAVING CLUB A spectacular rescue of five people was effected at the Waihi Beach yesterday afternoon by members of the Waihi Surf and Life-saving Club. Those involved were Mrs Laurie, of Te Aroha, Mrs H. G. Clifford, of Hamilton, Mr J. Turner, of Matiere, I King Country, and two men whose names are not known.. The parties had gone out on surf o' planes. An out-going tide, accompanied by a stiff breeze off the shore was responsible for the light and buoyant water planes being swept out lo sea beyond the line of breaking surf. The plight of the swimmers was noticed by the look-out patrol and the Surf Club's siren at the pavilion was sounded and with commendable promptness members set about their job. Mr Don Hunter manned the surf ski, Mr Alex Seath donned the Hfe-belt and these were the first two to get off the mark, followed by beltmen W. Gibson and D. Seath. Meanwhile Mrs Laurie was succoured by Mr Alex Seath and brought safely ashore, while Mr Hunter got the others to the ski, and Mr D. Seath conveyed Mrs Clifford to the shore. By this time other members of the club were hastening to the ski to which the three men were clinging and which was being steadied by Mr Hunter. The ski was successfully towed to safety.

Mrs Laurie and Mrs Clifford suffered more or less from exhaustion and shock, but later recovered. Mr Turner also showed the effects of the experience but soon recovered, while the oilier two men were also soon their normal selves.

The rescue party is to be congratulated on their smart and efficient work. Thus once again has been demonstrated the value and usefulness of the Waihi Surf Club.