The EAL scheme assumes importance because they claim to have trained as many as 3,000 lifeguards in the last 12 years.
The ‘earn and learn’ (EAL) scheme of the Rashtriya Life Saving Society India (RLSSI) was in sharp focus at the Bapusaheb Kedari swimming pool in Wanavdi as they conducted their ‘Swim N Survive’ scheme in the city on Monday morning.
The EAL scheme assumes importance because they claim to have trained as many as 3,000 lifeguards in the last 12 years, a majority of them from below the poverty line. The RLSSI is the city’s pioneering life saving and life guarding institution.
Speaking to DNA on Monday morning, founder president of RLSSI, Rear Admiral (retd) Purshottam Sharma said, “Young people from below the poverty line have been given instructions in swimming and life-saving. This has created job opportunities for them, which has improved their economic conditions. Today, they work as lifeguards and ensure safety of the public at different venues.’’
The EAL scheme recently received international recognition and support. According to Sharma, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) supports the RLSSI under their Australian Sports Outreach Programme (ASOP).
ASC’s director for international development, Sophie Beauvais, who was at the Kedari pool on Monday told DNA, “As part of ASOP, we have partnered with five Indian quality organisations to assist and contribute in achieving their goal in life saving. The RLSSI’s EAL scheme benefits several youngsters to attain a livelihood for themselves. I think RLSSI is doing a wonderful job.’’
According to Sharma, there are close to 3,000 people who die every year due to accidents in India. “The life of 50% of the victims can be saved if they receive assistance within 15 minutes. Our aim is to impart instructions in life-saving skills to as many as possible,’’ Sharma said.
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