#TGLIFE
The sea may look inviting, but the undercurrents and rips can surely be fatal. This has been proved time and again across the Goan coastline as lifeguards rush to rescue tourists and others in distress. Since August when the monsoons kicked in, the state witnessed 5 drownings and 245 rescues. Of the 5 drownings that have happened in the last one month 4 have been victims of rip currents and one was a medical emergency. Despite signages, red flags on the beach and verbal warnings by lifeguards, people continue to put their life and the lives of others at risk.
And with many lifeguards having stayed away from work over the last month over various demands, and the management of Drishti Lifesaving issuing show-cause notices to striking lifeguards, the remaining lifeguards on the ground have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those on the beach even going so far as to cordon off unsafe areas with rope. However, people simply refuse to pay heed to their requests to stay away from the water.
With this in mind, patrolling along the beaches has been intensified and a team of 20 newly-recruited lifeguards who have completed training have also been added to the force and posted at various locations across Goa. I am originally a fisherman from Canacona and had quite a bit of experience of the sea. So far I have rescued close to 30 persons. Saving a life is a deeply emotional moment. It feels good and makes me want to go the extra mile. Sadly, people often do not listen to our requests to retreat to a safer place onshore. My appeal to people is to listen to the lifeguards as they are there to protect you. If there are red flags posted on the beach, please do not enter the water as you are putting your precious life at risk.
” Parashuram Pagi, CanaconaI always wanted to be a lifeguard. After rigorous training, I was admitted into the lifeguard team. I’ve now been a lifeguard for 10 years and have saved and assisted in saving almost over a 100 people. Being a lifeguard is not easy. It requires patience, strength and an alert mind. Goa is a tourist destination. Many tourists consume alcohol and then head into the sea. This can be dangerous. Visitors are also not familiar with the sea conditions and we always appeal to them to enjoy responsibly and listen to our instructions.
” Gaurish Gavnekar,
Savoi Verem, PondaA MATTER OF
SAVING LIVES
Following as many as 200 drowning cases in 2007, the state government decided to take immediate measures and put together an efficient system to save lives.
Drishti thus began operations in Goa in 2008
Over 4500 lives have been saved since then, due to intervention rescue operations
Since August when the monsoons kicked in, the state witnessed 5 drownings and 245 rescues
Of the 245 rescues, 141 were Indian nationals and 107 were foreign tourists
Always wanted to
be a lifeguard?
Drishti recently put out a call for lifeguard captains inviting individuals interested in pursuing a career in lifeguarding
Goan graduates in any discipline with knowledge of swimming are eligible to apply
Training programmes are conducted in several batches. Sessions include team building exercises, Patient Recovery, CPR and Recovery position practices, Rescue Tube techniques and practices, Hand Signals and methods of Communication, Patrolling, Flag systems, Swim zones and Hazard regions, Surf Awareness, Tides and Currents, etc
It takes 8-12 weeks of rigorous training and tests before a lifeguard can hit active duties on the beach
