We take a closer look at the silent yet steely lifeguards at Aksa Beach, Malad, one of the dangerous beaches in the city
Aksa Beach is notorious for being one of the most unsafe beaches in the city due to its strong and rapidly changing currents coupled with the quick sand. This lethal combination puts swimmers at a huge risk. Enter lifeguards, the brave heroes who put their lives at stake every time they take a plunge into the sea to save someone. The sad part, though, is that they barely get anything in return.
Sachin Mulik, a lifeguard at Aksa beach, has helped restrain a drunkard. When asked what made him want to become a lifeguard, he quips, “I was fond of swimming and received a bit of training. When I heard about the vacancy, I applied for the post.”
Contract constraints
At present, Aksa is manned by eight lifeguards, seven of whom are on a contract basis and one on a permanent basis. The seven contract-based lifeguards work eight-hour shifts for a salary of Rs. 10,000. Their contract clearly states that they won’t receive any compensation if something happens to them on the job. These lifeguards hope that they will be given a permanent status when their contracts are up for renewal, but that does not happen. Lifeguards on a permanent basis receive a higher salary and can retire at the age of 59. “I love my work, but better salary and equipment will encourage us to perform better,” adds Mulik.
Lack of equipment
The lifeguards face a shortage of safety equipment and often shell out their own money to buy it. Equipment such as rescue tubes, jet skies, lifebuoys and ropes help ensure their safety. Their uniforms were provided to them in 2010, and they are still using those with no hope of receiving new ones. Finally, despite the presence of warning signs on the beach and even after receiving numerous warnings from the lifeguards, some people venture far off into the sea. “Many people argue and even try to get into a fight with us when we try to warn them,” says lifeguard Nathuram Surywnschi. In spite of these difficulties, the Aksa lifeguards have helped save the lives of 19 individuals in 2014 alone.
A bleak future
Most of the lifeguards feel as if the authorities have appointed them just for show without any concern about their safety and well-being. “I am scared for my family; what if something happens to me,” questions Mulik. Ignored and unappreciated, the lifeguards of Aksa need to be given a second thought. After all, they are ones facing the ire of Mother Nature.
The tiny watch tower and changing room on Aksa Beach has been provided by a nearby hotel, not the BMC.
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