Beach destinations in Kozhikode grapple with shortage of lifeguards

A lifeguard on duty at Kozhikode beach to oversee safety measures.

A recent attack on lifeguards at Kozhikode Beach has drawn attention to staff shortages, inadequate rescue equipment and poor working conditions at coastal destinations across the district. Three lifeguards were injured when a group that included women reportedly assaulted them as they tried to stop visitors from entering hazardous waters.

Beaches along the coast from Kappad to Beypore draw large crowds on weekends and holidays, prompting calls for stronger safety measures. The Tourism department has yet to deploy enough lifeguards to cover key stretches. At Kozhikode Beach, only six to eight lifeguards are available to work in two shifts between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Three lifeguards cover South Beach, and two are posted at Butt Road Beach. The northern stretch from the open stage to the Vellayil breakwater and Konad Beach have no lifeguards, and visitors frequently flout safety rules in these areas. Residents and local fishers say several unmonitored stretches have become dangerous swimming spots.

“At least 20 rescue guards are needed to ensure proper surveillance of our key beach tourism destinations. If that is not possible, their numbers should be increased during weekends and holidays, when most safety violations occur,” said P.V. Sandeep, a resident near Puthiyappa. He said residents were worried about groups of children entering restricted areas.

The supply of usable lifesaving gear is critically low. Sources said many ropes and rescue tubes were torn and unusable. They reported that equipment, including surfboards, life jackets, stretchers, signalling flags and remote-controlled buoys was either unavailable, ineffective or slow to deploy.

Without a permanent shelter, lifeguards rely on temporary umbrellas in extreme weather and store their gear in unguarded areas. Limited attention to the sector and low pay have reportedly made experienced personnel reluctant to join the squads. Daily-wage lifeguards are said to lack job security, Employees’ State Insurance coverage and provident fund benefits. The previous government’s decision to pay lifeguards ₹5 lakh upon completion of 15 years of service has yet to be implemented.

Tourism department sources said they had submitted the demands and public concerns to higher authorities and that these would be taken up at forthcoming review meetings to expedite action.