Hazardous shoreline: Kollam beach struggles with safety and staff shortages

Kollam: At Kollam beach, danger lurks with every wave. Lifeguards scramble to keep visitors safe, fastening ropes and managing crowds, but until a permanent solution is implemented, the beach’s safety rests largely on their shoulders. Despite being one of Kerala’s most hazardous shorelines, Kollam beach continues to face a severe shortage of lifeguards and inadequate safety infrastructure.

Very few lifeguards
Currently, only seven lifeguards are employed at Kollam beach. Including the two stationed at Azheekkal beach, the district has a total of just nine lifeguards. At Kollam beach, lifeguards work in shifts of three to four personnel daily, from 7 AM to 7 PM. Duty points are meant to be assigned according to visitor volume, with at least two lifeguards deployed at each point. Based on this system, the district actually requires 20 lifeguards. Ensuring safety and security along the beach would require doubling the current workforce.

Whistles are all they have

Lifeguards at Kollam beach still rely mainly on whistles to alert visitors. The government-provided sound system has been dysfunctional for years. A microphone system donated by the Rotary Club helps, but it consumes around 10 batteries every three days. During emergencies, festive seasons, and holidays, lifeguards often buy batteries out of their own pockets to keep the system running.

More equipment is needed
Safety infrastructure along the 2-kilometre-long beach is minimal. Some lifeguards still wear uniforms issued over 15 years ago. Life-saving equipment such as life jackets, life buoys, rescue tubes, microphones, and whistles are ageing and frequently require replacement. Kollam beach’s conditions make rescue tubes more effective than life jackets or buoys, yet many of the available tubes are missing belts and clips due to wear. Tubes over four years old are still in use. Even with limited resources, the composure and quick response of lifeguards continue to save lives.

Abuse and misconduct
Lifeguards face frequent abuse and misconduct from visitors. When they ask people not to cross ropes or warn them about hidden dangers in the sea, many ignore instructions. In some cases, lifeguards have been subjected to physical assaults. With only three to four lifeguards on duty at any given time, it is extremely difficult to monitor the entire two-kilometre stretch. Accidents occurring at corners or areas without rope boundaries often see lifeguards rushing to help, only to face misbehaviour or complaints from locals. The lifeguards stress that their warnings are meant solely to protect visitors and save lives.

Emergency measures needed

To protect Kollam beach, authorities must take urgent steps:

• Deploy more lifeguards to ensure full coverage of the beach.
• Increase lifeguard presence during festivals and peak visitor periods.
• Prevent visitors from entering the sea after dark.
• Supply lifeguards with essential gear, including rescue tubes.
• Replace old equipment, including loudspeakers.
• Install boards and signs warning visitors about the dangers.
• Add additional lighting along the beach to improve safety at night.
• Monitor and control visitor entry through routes parallel to Bishop Jerome Nagar.