AS one sharing Eileen Lunn's concern for Northwick Lido, or The Slip, (You Say, September 5), let me reassure her that at the recent public meeting, the emphasis seemed to be on conservation and preservation as opposed to transformation or re-development.

Apart from preserving the historical name there was certainly no suggestion of encouraging its former status as a popular swimming venue.

Of course river swimming is dangerous. So is mountaineering, potholing, parachuting, hang- gliding and a host of other pursuits.

People who participate are aware of the danger and are usually careful to warn others not to try to imitate them without expert guidance and instruction.

Years ago such instruction was available. My generation learnt to cope with currents, to estimate speed and direction at varying levels and to avert all manner of hazards.

Jumping or diving was discouraged as was the kind of horseplay associated with swimming pools.

The emphasis was always on survival and rescue techniques, whereas the pools encouraged sport, speed and a more graceful style of swimming.

Of the many fatalities over the years, I never knew of one among the thousands who received appropriate instruction.

Most were among those who had learnt to swim in static pools and imagined that to be adequate. Alcohol was a frequent factor and accidents involving other river users were not infrequent.

Without actually experiencing the river, there is no way in which one can learn to survive in it.

However, it is well for river users to be continually reminded of the golden rule - which is never to attempt to swim against or across a current even if it carries you a long way from where you intend to land.

JOHN HINTON, Victoria Avenue, Worcester.