Action drama Baywatch was based on the Los Angeles County lifeguards. The series premiered in 1989 and David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson were its lead characters.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday invoked iconic television series Baywatch as it once again stressed the need for upgrading the safety apparatus at Maharashtra's popular beaches.
"Have you [state] not seen Baywatch. Use modern methods to ensure safety of those visiting beaches," said an exasperated HC after being told that there had been no compliance of its previous orders.
A division bench of justices Shantanu Kemkar and Sarang Kotwal referred to the action drama on the Los Angeles County lifeguards as it heard a public interest litigation filed by non-profit Janhit Manch, highlighting drownings in sea and the absence of warning signs and rescuers on the seafronts.
Advocate Jamshed Mistry, who represented the petitioners, said 49 people have drowned in the sea across the state so far this year. He said the Goa government has allowed the use of mobile vehicles on beaches to monitor its long coastal stretch. However, Mistry said, those vehicles are not used for patrolling in Maharashtra. To this, the bench quipped, "Why don't you [state] watch Baywatch serial and use modern technology at beaches."
The bench also asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to pursue its plea with the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority to put up permanent watchtowers at Mumbai's beaches. The civic must ensure temporary watchtowers during Ganesh Visarjan, before September 10, it said.
Appearing for the BMC, advocate Sagar Patil said the fire brigade will induct 93 lifeguards in three months, taking the strength to 129. The court will hear the matter next after eight weeks.
Earlier, the state had informed the court that safety nets were installed at Kelve, Mahim and Satpati beaches in Palghar district. Arrangements for vehicle parking were in place at beaches in Palghar, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts (except Vengurla). In Mumbai, parking place is provided at Girgaum, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa, Manori and Marve beaches.
The HC had been told that display boards were in place at Palghar, Ratnagiri, Raigad and Sindhudurg, giving information to tourists about public health centres for immediate care during an emergency. Notice boards carrying warning signs for tourist have also been installed at dangerous beaches. Sirens have also been installed at 31 identified beaches.
The Iconic Series
Action drama Baywatch was based on the Los Angeles County lifeguards. The series premiered in 1989 and David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson were its lead characters.
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