It took the death of a lifeguard on the Shanghumughom beach for the State government to initiate a complete overhaul of the safety protocol of the rescue force, three decades since it came into being in the State.
Steps have been expedited to modernise the safety equipment and operating procedure of lifeguards by imbibing internationally accepted practices.
Insurance coverage
Lifeguards in the State will soon come under a comprehensive insurance coverage that will cover all possible occupational hazards. The formalities for introducing the insurance package are currently in its final phase with the scheme set to be rolled out within a few weeks. According to Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, the present government ensured that the lifeguards were provided ₹3,000 a month as risk allowance, irrespective of the number of work days. The allowance was sanctioned in view of the vagaries associated with their occupation. Besides, an adequate number of lifeguards have been deployed on all major beaches.
“While no lifeguards are employed on a permanent basis, no lifeguards have been disengaged anywhere in the State. Moreover, they were granted decent wages, despite no scale of pay being fixed in the sector,” Mr. Surendran said.
He admitted that the government was caught on the wrong foot with Johnson Gabriel’s death being the first one of a lifeguard to be reported in the State during a life-saving operation since the launch of the rescue force 32 years ago. “We can no longer turn a blind eye towards the increasing risks involved, considering the rough seas in recent times,” he said.
Thorough screening
Mr. Surendran, however, maintained that the unfortunate incident could not be attributed to inadequate training. “The lifeguards have been engaged following a thorough screening process to identify the best swimmers. They are trained seafarers who are capable to handling any such exigency. Johnson himself is believed to have rescued around 20 people and also have actively participated in the rescue operation during the Cyclone Ockhi,” he pointed out.
He said the government was currently exploring all possibilities to upgrade the safety gear and other equipment of lifeguards. The long-standing demand for speed boats will also be considered with utmost seriousness.