GOA BAYWATCH: Goa’s Baywatch team includes Charmaine M deSouza who is one of the five female lifeguards hired by Drishti.
CHARMAINE M DeSouza is one of the five female lifeguards employed by Drishti, which has been entrusted with rescue operations on the beaches of Goa. Drishti is akin to the popular Baywatch in Goa!
By Joshua George
QUESTION: How does it feel to be in a profession dominated by men?
CHARMAINE: It’s only in India that it’s a male-dominated profession! Quite honestly, it feels amazing to be able to enter a field in which women are not usually expected to be in.
Q: In an earlier interview you had spoken about how the popular American television series of `Baywatch’ inspired you to take up the profession of a lifeguard. But was there anyone in the field that you looked up to?
CHARMAINE: I think I have mentioned this in almost every interview I’ve given! I loved the series, not for the glamorous side that is also portrayed, but just the fact that one gets to be in a swimsuit and on the beach the entire day long — keeping people safe. The US has lifeguards and Bondi lifeguards. The Bondi lifeguards are amazing. I’ve watched videos of the rescues they have conducted, all next level stuff for us.
Q: Can you describe the reception women lifeguards receive from the general public?
CHARMAINE: I would say that the reception has been excellent. There has been a lot of respect for the most part of it. It’s extremely rare to have someone be disrespectful or rude. Everyone has wanted to know how Goa has female lifesavers. We’ve been around with Drishti for over a year now. A lot of times we get asked to have our pictures taken. People have endless questions about how we chose this line and how we feel being a Drishti lifesaver and if we have done rescues.
Q: Can you give us an insight into the training process of a lifesaver?
CHARMAINE: In a nutshell or in this context it should be seashell, our training at Drishti Marine is vigorous. Our limits are tested physically and mentally. We have theory and practicals. Every year we have re-evaluations from July to end-September. Our lifesaver instructors at Drishti Marine are excellent.
Q: Describe the beaches of Goa in terms of their safety for recreational purposes. Could you tell us about the currents one should be wary about?
CHARMAINE: It would be difficult to talk about the hazards on every beach because each beach has its own dangers. The time to be wary is when the tide is going out. Regarding actual beach hazards, the best thing to do would be to meet the Drishti lifesavers on duty and ask them to guide you on how to stay safe on the beach you are at. One should always be wary when it comes to unknown waters anyway.
Q: How has the profession of lifeguards evolved over the years? Have you gained access to modern age technology to assist in rescue operations?
CHARMAINE: Drishti has stationed one or two jet skis at all key beaches and one to two jeeps patrol regularly at each of these locations. Also, every tower and jeep has a high-powered 2-way radio set installed to enable a strong communications capability. Lifesavers manning these jet skis coordinate with each other at various locations during search and rescue operations.
At all towers the lifesavers are equipped with first aid kits, spine boards, surfboards, rescue boards, rescue tubes, handheld radio sets, and bag valve masks to assist in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) machines.
Q: What is the biggest challenge in managing tourists at beaches?
CHARMAINE: Getting them to listen, of course! Most of them come to have fun and throw all caution to the wind. We’re strict about not allowing people to enter the water after the consumption of alcohol.
Q: Are there fines if people refuse to listen to the instructions of the lifeguard?
CHARMAINE: No, they aren’t any fines; however, if people fail to comply with the warnings of the Drishti lifesavers on the beach the police stationed at the beaches are informed and they come to our aid.
Q: Is there a deficiency of lifesavers at the beach or are they just enough to manage the current scenario?
CHARMAINE: Drishti’s lifesaving force always prepares for the tourist seasons. The deployment of lifesavers has increased across beaches, especially the popular beaches which have high footfalls.
Q: Do lifesavers work at night as well?
CHARMAINE: At present Drishti lifesavers operate from 7 am to 6 pm (until sunset). Post-sunset from 6 pm to 12 midnight the beaches are patrolled by the Beach Safety Patrol (BSP). During sunset, the lifesavers ask all visitors to the beach to fall back and return to shore as there are no lifesavers monitoring the beach during nightfall and it can be dangerous.
Q: For a lifesaver how important is it to be brave rather than just have skills?
CHARMAINE: Bravery comes with the skills. Even with skills some of us may panic! Skills first and everything else falls into place.
Q: Has your entry into this profession inspired more girls to take up lifeguard duty?
CHARMAINE: I would dearly love to think so. I have had a few girls walk up to me and tell me that they would love to be lifesavers when they grow up. So here’s hoping our girls’ team at Drishti Marine grows rapidly.
Q: Are lifeguards safeguarded in terms of financial benefits like insurance cover if they get injured or lose their life on duty?
CHARMAINE: Yes, we are covered.
Q: How can the state help organisations like Drishti?
CHARMAINE:By creating awareness about beach safety to the general public and emphasizing the Do’s and Don’ts a bit more strictly.
Q: What would you like to share about being a lifesaver?
CHARMAINE: If you love the outdoors, being on the beach, and are passionate about swimming, then you have just found the perfect job. Being a lifesaver is no doubt challenging but it is also exhilarating.