Kochi: A surge in drowning incidents at beaches in Ernakulam district has sparked urgent calls for the deployment of more lifeguards and professional swimmers. Over the past year, more than 20 drowning deaths have been reported across 13 major and minor beaches, highlighting the pressing need for improved safety measures.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Sunday when two individuals from Uttar Pradesh, Javed and Shahaban, drowned at Cherai Beach. This has prompted the tourism department to plan the appointment of additional lifeguards at popular beach destinations. Sunday’s incident underscores the necessity for stringent enforcement against those who disregard safety warnings. Javed entered a restricted area of the sea while lifeguards were still searching for Shahaban, illustrating a common pattern of rule violations, particularly during the monsoon season. A similar incident in May saw three youths drown at Puthuvype Beach after ignoring warnings from local residents and lifeguards, only to be swept away by powerful waves.
The inadequacy of police and lifeguard presence, even on popular beaches in Ernakulam, is a significant concern. A senior officer at the Coastal Police Station in Fort Kochi acknowledged the issue, stating, “The number of lifeguards and police personnel is insufficient. However, beachgoers must understand that swimming in the sea, especially in bad weather, is perilous. Adhering to lifeguard and police instructions is crucial for safety. It is impractical for lifeguards to monitor everyone, particularly in crowded conditions.” The Kadalora Jagratha Samithi, a local safety advocacy group, pointed to the lack of public awareness about the dangers of swimming in the sea as a primary factor in the rising number of drownings. “Tourists, especially youths, often visit beaches in groups and under the influence of alcohol, ignoring warnings from locals,” a spokesperson said. Despite the recurring incidents, there has been inadequate deployment of trained swimmers or divers at busy beaches, which see hundreds of visitors during weekends and holidays.
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) currently has 22 lifeguards stationed at major beaches such as Munambam, Cherai, Kuzhippilli, and Fort Kochi. An official from the DTPC revealed plans to recruit 20 more lifeguards to bolster safety measures in light of recent accidents. “We will deploy five additional lifeguards at major beaches. We also plan to erect signboards and banners in the coming days to help prevent further drowning incidents,” the official said. Meanwhile, Kadalora Jagratha Samithi, which has 28 active members, has offered its services to volunteer as lifeguards, but their request remains pending with the authorities. The community’s proactive stance underscores the urgency of addressing beach safety comprehensively.
