Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 1: In a laudable measure towards ensuring safety of tourists to Malpe beach, a hundred students have been trained in life-saving skills by the Rashtriya Life Saving Society. The trained students were awarded certificates on Thursday March 31, and on the occasion, they showcase their rescue operation skills at the beach.
The training programme was held under the initiative of DC R Vishal in association with the Malpe beach development committee.
Addressing the gathering, DC Vishal said, "Children are nation's assets and future of the country. Once they get training in swimming and in keeping the beach clean, they will teach the future generation about the same. Swimming also helps children overcome hydrophobia.
"It cost Rs 2.5 lac for training one hundred students. There is sufficient fund available with Malpe beach committee to train children in swimming skills. The district authority is planning to conduct more such programme in future. I want to equip these children with swimming skills and see them trained in saving people's lives," he said.
"This is a small effort made by the district administration in association with the tourism department and Malpe beach development committee to ensure beach safety and cleanliness. Australia's Life Saving Society has contributed four rescue boards but it is not sufficient to reach the target," he added.
According to international swimmer and volunteer of Rashtriya Life Saving Society, Partha Varnasi, nearly 1,06,000 people drown in India every year. This was reported in WHO survey held in 2012.
"The first three to six minutes are golden period for saving life when a person is drowning. There are three levels of training. These students have completed the first level of preliminary aid," Partha said.
"Rashtriya Life Saving Society is an Indian organization which imparts swimming skills to children. It trains children in first aid, basic safety, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, how to assess current, waves, recovery position, paddling, how to manage obstacles while swimming and rescue a victim. With such training, we can bring down drowning incidents by 50 percent," he said.
"Australians are skilled in swimming because it is a mandatory subject in schools. Awareness should be created among Indians on the importance of swimming skills and rescue management. These skills help to build sportive spirit among youths. Life Saving Society is planning to extend its support in educating children on keeping the beach clean and learning proper swimming skills," he added.
Partha trained hundreds of students belonging to Malpe fishermen community and local school children.
Rohit and Yajnesh also joined hands in training students using rescue operating equipment.
Students from Malpe Fisheries School, Narayana Guru School, Gandhi School and Udupi sports hostel have completed the first phase of training.
The DC distributed certificates to the students on this occasion.
CMC commissioner Manjunathayya, tourism department organizer Sudesh and others were present.