PANJIM: Against the backdrop of drowning cases reported in the past days, Dy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar has warned that the government will terminate the contract with Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd if it fails to bring the situation under control.
The agency has been reeling under a manpower shortage after some of its trained lifeguards struck work.
“There is definitely a manpower shortage to man the beaches. A couple of visitors on the beaches have lost their lives. I have asked Drishti to improve the manpower situation at the earliest. If the situation is not brought under control, contract could be terminated,” he said.
The State has reported deaths of tourists on the beaches amidst the dispute between the lifeguards and Drishti. The government has nevertheless given the striking lifeguards eight days to join work, even as new lifeguards are undergoing training under police protection.
Drishti has put out a renewed call for lifeguards and lifeguard captains, inviting individuals interested in pursuing a career in lifeguarding. “On directives of the Tourism Minister who has instructed Drishti to commence shortlisting, hiring and training of lifeguards to meet for the shortfall, we have accelerated efforts in these areas. The primary focus is on keeping visitors to the beach safe and away from the rough seas,” a statement issued by the company said.
The agency has called for Goan undergraduates and graduates in any discipline with knowledge of swimming to apply for the lifeguards and lifeguard captain positions. Positions are open to men and women.
“Drishti has been willing to continue the employment of a majority of the lifeguards who have stayed away from work. Misguided lifeguards who have stayed away from work are holding the State hostage by compromising public safety. The lifeguards have well-paying jobs, it’s sad to see them being misled with false promises. No dues to lifeguards are outstanding,” it further stated.
A team of 20 newly-recruited lifeguards, who have completed training have been added to the force and posted at various locations across the coast. Since October, 172 tourists have been rescued in 86 incidents. However, an Iraninan besides 2-3 others have drowned in the sea.
