Fire brigade plans to train lifeguards

MUMBAI: Taking into account the frequent drowning deaths on beaches, the BMC has transferred the entire responsibility of beach safety to the fire brigade. Considering their expertise in tackling eventualities, the fire brigade will appoint and train lifeguards for all beaches. A day after three youngsters died after drowning off Aksa beach, civic and fire brigade officials were busy chalking out a beach safety plan. It has now been decided to double the number of lifeguards on beaches. While currently there are 34 lifeguards on beaches, there will now be 68.

“We have handed over the responsibility of beach safety to the fire brigade as it has the core competence for the exercise. During monsoons, we will double the number of lifeguards. They will be given training by fire officials,’’ said additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar.

The BMC, last month, issued an order to shift lifeguards from public health department to the fire brigade as it is on duty for 24 hours. This makes them better equipped to manage lifeguards. Chief fire officer Uday Tatkare said, “There are lifeguards at Juhu, Versova, Aksa, Madh, Marve and Gorai. But they are neither properly trained, nor available when there is a crowd. We are in the process of training them.’’