Udupi: Despite being a major tourist destination with several popular beaches, Udupi district currently has only 11 lifeguards to ensure the safety of thousands of visitors arriving from across the country and abroad.
Beaches such as Malpe, Trasi-Maravanthe, Kodi Kundapur, Byndoor Someshwara, Kaup, Padubidri and Mattu attract a large number of tourists. Lifeguards are required to monitor safety, prevent visitors from crossing designated safety lines and respond during emergencies. Officials said there is an urgent need to appoint more lifeguards to protect tourists.
At present, four lifeguards each are deployed at Malpe and Trasi, while one each is stationed at Padubidri, Kodi Kanyana and Byndoor Someshwara. The tourism department has initiated steps to recruit 10 additional lifeguards for other beaches in the district.
Apart from lifeguards, 10 ‘Tourist Mitras’ have also been deployed. These include four at Malpe, one each at Someshwara, Kaup, Padubidri and Kundapur, and two at historical temples. Officials said private operators conducting water sports at Malpe and Kaup, and kayaking in the backwaters of Padubidri, have their own lifeguard staff.
Low interest among youth
Despite efforts to recruit more personnel, there is low interest among youth. Many feel the job involves high risk with relatively low pay, and that working in ports or fishing offers better earnings.
Seven deaths reported this year
So far this year, seven people have died in the district while swimming or boating. The lack of sufficient lifeguards, along with risky behaviour by tourists, has been cited as a factor. It is believed that with more lifeguards, such incidents could have been prevented by stopping tourists from entering unsafe areas.
Recruitment process underway
Tourism department officials said priority is being given to high-footfall beaches such as Malpe and Trasi-Maravanthe. Additional lifeguards are required, and the recruitment process is currently underway.
Vindhya, Deputy Director (in-charge), Tourism Department, confirmed that steps are being taken to address the shortage.
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