NARROW ESCAPE

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19565, 2 May 1935, Page 2

NARROW ESCAPE

DINGHY SWAMPED. ACCIDENT TO BPORTBMEN. SWIM TO RIVER BANK. PUKEKOHE, Wednesday. Narrow escapes from drowning after their boat had swamped were experienced by four Pukekohe sportsmen, Messrs J. McComb, G. Davoren, L. P-arrls and E. Reynolds, when crossing the Waikato River to construct maimais in readiness for the opening of the shooting season to-day.-The party went on a motor-lorry from Pukekohe to a point on the river above the .Tuakau Bridge, taking with them a small dinghy. When well out from'the shore in the dinghy they were caught by a very swift current and their small -craft was completely swamped. The occupants struok out for the river bank several ohalns away. The men, who had toy this time divested ■ themselves of their coats, found that, with.the weight of their remaining clothing, progress was difficult. They had been carried about a quarter of a mile downstream by the current when finally Messrs McComb, Parris* and Reynolds reached the willows. Looking round for Mr Davoren, Messrs Reynolds and Parris sa!w him being carried on by the current, apparently unable to make any further progress toward; the bank. They swam to his assistance and brought him to the -bank. He had lost consciousness, and Ms companions fried artificial respiration. This proved.. successful and he recovered.