Severe shortage of lifeguards and lack of equipment on Kozhikode beaches

A severe shortage of lifeguards, lack of rescue equipment, and poor working conditions have come to light on the beaches of Kozhikode. According to a report by The Hindu, these issues gained attention following a recent attack on lifeguards at Kozhikode beach. While lifeguards were attempting to stop visitors from entering dangerous waters, a group including women attacked them, leaving three lifeguards injured.

Coastal areas from Kappad to Beypore witness large crowds during weekends and holidays, leading to demands for stringent security measures. Despite this, the Tourism Department has not yet deployed sufficient lifeguards to cover the main areas. Only 6 to 8 lifeguards are available to work in two shifts from 7 am to 7 pm at Kozhikode beach.

Under the current arrangement, 3 lifeguards are deployed at South Beach and 2 at Butt Road Beach. Meanwhile, there are no lifeguards in the northern area from Open Stage to Vellayil Breakwater and Konad Beach, resulting in frequent violations of safety rules by visitors. According to local fishermen and residents, these unsupervised areas have become dangerous swimming spots.

P.V. Sandeep, a resident near Puthiyappa, stated, "At least 20 rescue guards are needed for proper supervision of the main beach tourist spots. If that is not possible, their number should be increased during weekends and holidays, as that is when the most violations occur." He expressed concern regarding children entering restricted areas.

The condition of rescue equipment is also extremely poor. According to the report, many ropes and rescue tubes are torn and cannot be used. Equipment such as surfboards, life jackets, stretchers, signaling flags, and remote-controlled buoys are either unavailable or ineffective.

Lifeguards do not have permanent shelters; therefore, they rely on temporary umbrellas during bad weather and keep their equipment in unsecured areas. Due to low pay and an indifferent attitude towards the field, experienced personnel are not joining this work. Lifeguards receiving daily wages lack job security, Employee State Insurance (ESI), and Provident Fund benefits. The previous government had decided to pay ₹5 lakh after the completion of 15 years of service, but this has not yet been implemented.

Tourism Department sources stated that they have forwarded these demands and public concerns to higher officials, and these issues will be discussed in upcoming review meetings for prompt action.