Mahrashtra: State ropes in MTDC-run scuba diving institute to train 100 lifeguards

The state tourism department has tied up with an Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC)-run scuba diving institute in Tarkarli to train divers who can be posted at dangerous beaches along the coast.

The officials said the government has allotted Rs 25 lakh to district officers of Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad and Palghar for the beach safety initiative, to be carried out at the coastal regions of Maharashtra. The Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA) has been selected for training the lifeguards under this programme.

The training programme will be undertaken by international instructors, the officials added. Highlighting the initiative, Valsa Nair Singh, principal secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra, said, "It is a great honour for us that IISDA has been selected for such an important initiative across the busy and popular coastal line of Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad and Palghar. This initiative is another example of responsible tourism that Maharashtra has been following for many years."

MTDC joint managing director Satish Soni said, "IISDA is one of the best training institutes for scuba diving and aquatic sports, not only in India but across Asia. At IISDA, we will ensure that the 10-day programme will be precise and robust to train 100 lifeguards."