The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-04-11
Protection at the Beaches.

Protection at the Beaches.
Announcement, that the life saving
branch of the Red Cross is already
organized and will be at practice work
during April and regularly on duty at
Pablo Beach is interesting to every
body in this section. 1t has come to
be we'll understood that Jacksonville's
favorite beach resort is one of the
finest in the country and one OF the
safest, and during the spring and sum-
mer season the presence of expert
swimmers and life-savers is always
noted with satisfaction by the thou
sands who enjoy surf bathing and
those who have acquaintance addict
ed to the surf bathing habit. There
are state laws in Florida which I'M
dertake to safeguard the bathers and
insofar as ropes and life-lines and boat
can do this-but the greatest danger
is generally that encountered by the
swimmers who go beyond the lines or
disregard these appliances, and the
lifeguards, are after all, more relied
each year and their work in the past
has been splendid.
During last season a number of res
cues were made at the Jacksonville
beach resorts that conclusively proved
courage and ability of the life guards
and the organization this under the
same management and direction, sug-
gests that the young men undertaking
this splendid work will be capable and
efficient. The tests that are required
before admitting a member to the corp
are severe and comprehensive and the
statement made that less than half the
applicants have succeeded in qualify
ing suggests the care with which the
corps is formed. The members take
great pride in the organization and de-
serve the fullest consideration and
praise. Their work is humanitarian
and is far more important with one
unfamiliar with our beach resorts
could imagine.
The presence of the life guards and
the life lines and the ropes and buoys
and boats. however should not encour-
age surf -bathers to too much daring.
TIE ocean is no respector of persons
and while we have magnificent beach
with gradual shelving that let's the
bather go far into the water without
losing foothold. 1t is always we'll to re-
member that being careful is a million
times better than being sorry. Thou
sands of people enjoy the surf at Pablo
every summer and have all of the
pleasure that the occasion offers with
out once risking their lives. The great
est possible provision for rescue will
not provide for emergencies, and fool
hardy bathers not only endanger their
own lives, but those of others who
might risk a great deal 70 help in a
time of trouble-and even the hardy
and experienced life guards are but
human and have their limit.
The beach season promises to open
early this season and with the pros
poets of the opening of the new bridge
there will be greater preparations than
ever before for spending more or less
time at the seashore and in the surf.
1t is only necessary to be a little care
full in the water in order to have the
summer the most delightful of all, and
recurring the life guards. it may be
said that their presence will be gladly
welcomed, even by the old timers and
best swimmers.
Jacksonville Times Union
We're Ten Times Better OFF.
Vivianas visit to Washington NAV
have something to do with French fl
nances. Bankers gossip is that France.
within the next month or so. may have
a financial crisis.
If you think the United States has
a big problem in its national debt,
take a look at France:
The total income of the French peo-
pie last year was 12s, 100000. 900 francs
her cost of government was $4,000. 900
600 francs.
That's equivalent to Uncle Sam
spending s25,0oo000'o00 a year for