World · South & Central Asia · 3 hrs ago
Kozhikode beaches face lifeguard and rescue equipment shortages
Three lifeguards were injured in an assault at Kozhikode Beach while trying to keep visitors out of dangerous water.
The incident has highlighted a wider shortage of staff and equipment at beaches across Kozhikode district, in Kerala.
Only six to eight lifeguards cover Kozhikode Beach in two shifts from 7 a.m.
to 7 p.m.
Some stretches, including Konad Beach and the northern part of Kozhikode Beach, have no lifeguards, even as crowds visit coastal destinations from Kappad to Beypore.
Residents say unmonitored areas have become dangerous swimming spots, with visitors often ignoring safety rules.
Much of the rescue gear is missing or unusable, and lifeguards also lack permanent shelter and secure storage for equipment.
Low pay and limited benefits have discouraged experienced workers, while the Tourism department says it will raise the concerns at upcoming review meetings.
A recent assault on lifeguards at Kozhikode Beach has highlighted shortages of staff and rescue equipment at beaches across the district.
Three lifeguards were injured when they tried to stop visitors from entering hazardous waters.
At Kozhikode Beach, six to eight lifeguards work in two shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Some stretches, including Konad Beach and the northern stretch from the open stage to the Vellayil breakwater, have no lifeguards.
Usable lifesaving gear is scarce, and lifeguards also lack permanent shelter and secure storage for equipment.
- Who
- Lifeguards, visitors and the Tourism department are involved. Three lifeguards were injured.
- What
- Staff and rescue equipment shortages have raised safety concerns at Kozhikode’s beaches.
- When
- A recent assault on lifeguards prompted renewed attention to the shortages.
- Where
- Kozhikode Beach and other coastal destinations in Kozhikode district, from Kappad to Beypore.
- Why
- Beaches draw large crowds, while some areas lack lifeguards and usable rescue equipment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Three lifeguards were injured in an assault at Kozhikode Beach while trying to stop visitors from entering hazardous waters.
Tourism department sources said staff demands and public concerns had been submitted to higher authorities for discussion at forthcoming review meetings.
- Lifeguards at Kozhikode Beach
- Six to eight work in two shifts
- Shift hours
- 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- South Beach
- Three lifeguards
- Butt Road Beach
- Two lifeguards
- Injuries
- Three lifeguards hurt in the assault
- Suggested staffing
- At least 20 rescue guards needed for key beach tourism destinations
What people are saying
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.