With sea swimming off-limits during the monsoon, 450+ Drishti Marine lifesavers are undergoing their annual refresher training across Goa. The two-month-long intensive programme, held in multiple batches, includes updates on rescue techniques, familiarisation with new equipment like all-terrain vehicles and educational sessions on soft-skills and first response protocols.
“This year all 450+ lifesavers at Drishti Marine, including three female lifesavers, took part in the refresher training. The refresher training is conducted to ensure that the lifesavers are up to date with the latest professional skills and techniques. These skills include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, beach operations, jet ski operation, use of rescue equipment and various rescue techniques,” said Colonel Austin Collaco, General Manager, Operations and Training, Drishti Marine.
The annual training programme for lifesavers is split into several batches over the two-month period, allowing some personnel to undergo training while others remain on duty to maintain beach vigilance, which is the lifesaving agency’s primary mandate.
Lifesavers are required to meet stringent fitness criteria, including the ability to swim 400 meters within 11 minutes. Additionally, significant importance is given to first-aid and CPR training, as it demands swift and efficient response in providing assistance to a victim within a matter of minutes.
The lifesavers’ training programme includes a session on effective communication and soft skills. This is to help lifesavers engage with beach visitors, including tourists, in a positive and efficient manner.
“Lifesavers were instructed on how to manage high-pressure situations on Goa’s beaches more effectively, including dealing with tourists, intoxicated individuals and stubborn beachgoers who refuse to exit the water. Lifesavers were counselled on an individual level to efficiently interact with beach visitors,” says Collaco.
Stationed at key points and continuously monitoring the beaches, the lifesavers are fully equipped to respond to emergencies, prioritising the safety of all beachgoers. Participation in annual training programmes is obligatory for lifesavers to uphold their certification and remain eligible for beach duty.
