BMC takes a step towards ‘Baywatch’ security plan.
Soon, 23 lifeguards will be recruited.The first watch tower under construction. Next in line are signboards, first-aid facilities
Mumbai, September 04: It’s the first concrete step that Mumbai’s civic body has taken towards beach security. Almost a year after the state issued a government resolution (GR) on implementing the ‘Baywatch’ model at all the city’s beaches—complete with safety norms, searchlights, watch towers and patrolling—the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now invited applications from candidates seeking to be lifeguards.
The move follows the ‘Save the Beach’ campaign conducted by Newsline in April, pointing out the sorry state of Mumbai’s beaches, detailing the thickly spread plastic waste and encroachments on some stretches and poor security measures everywhere.
The 23 lifeguards, to be hired on a six-month contract, must all be men below the age of 33 years, having at least completed their matriculation. Candidates must be physically fit and, most important, must be accomplished swimmers. “We are finally ready with the entire plan and we are implementing the GR. First, we are getting the manpower in place,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Kishore Gajbiye.
The move follows the ‘Save the Beach’ campaign conducted by Newsline in April, pointing out the sorry state of Mumbai’s beaches, detailing the thickly spread plastic waste and encroachments on some stretches and poor security measures everywhere.
The 23 lifeguards, to be hired on a six-month contract, must all be men below the age of 33 years, having at least completed their matriculation. Candidates must be physically fit and, most important, must be accomplished swimmers. “We are finally ready with the entire plan and we are implementing the GR. First, we are getting the manpower in place,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Kishore Gajbiye.
The 23 lifeguards will be stationed at different city beaches and are required to work in eight-hour shifts. The compensation is Rs 6,000 per month.
“The deadline for sending in the applications is September 14, after which we will begin the recruitment process,” said Gajbiye. “Also, we have gone ahead with setting up watch towers. The construction of the tower at Madh-Marve is in progress,” he added. These are in addition to the 33 lifeguards who had been temporarily stationed at beaches where people regularly go swimming—mainly mainly at Juhu, Aksa, Versova and Marve.
“The deadline for sending in the applications is September 14, after which we will begin the recruitment process,” said Gajbiye. “Also, we have gone ahead with setting up watch towers. The construction of the tower at Madh-Marve is in progress,” he added. These are in addition to the 33 lifeguards who had been temporarily stationed at beaches where people regularly go swimming—mainly mainly at Juhu, Aksa, Versova and Marve.
According to Executive Health Officer Dr Jairaj Thanekar, the model will be applicable to all beaches in Mumbai. Apart from providing life guards, there will be protection/safety nets in areas where swimming is permitted, signboards, floodlights and watch towers and even a siren facility along with safety equipment like floats and life jackets.
The BMC will also ensure the availability of emergency first-aid facilities and display of information on nearby primary health centres or dispensaries . Soon, all beaches will also have the facility of an on-call doctor or an ambulance in case of an emergency.
The BMC will also ensure the availability of emergency first-aid facilities and display of information on nearby primary health centres or dispensaries . Soon, all beaches will also have the facility of an on-call doctor or an ambulance in case of an emergency.
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