Read this before you go to Fort Kochi beach?
If you are planning to spend a quiet evening with kids at Fort Kochi beach, you might want to take this into consideration. Over the last couple of days, the sea level has risen and much of the beach has been claimed by the turbulent waters.
The beaches in the north and near the channel have been entirely swallowed by the sea. The waves surge beyond the walkway now. And the north beach, where a beach motorbike race was held on New Year’s day, is now entirely under water. Only the south beach, which attracts most of the tourists, have something to offer.
Be warned
Over the last couple of weeks, the lifeguards and local people saved the lives of nine people who had stepped into the sea. However, a youth from Kolkata was not that lucky. Lifeguards who rushed to the area could not save his life. The authorities say that it is ideal not to step into the sea without consulting with the lifeguards.
Neglected
Thousands of rupees were spent on building gryones – the low wall built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting. However, the lack of maintenance and constant erosion has led to the walkway being washed away at various places. There are three groynes on the 800-meter long beach. Last year the police had barricaded the area, but no such action has been taken this year.
Warnings not heeded
With the monsoons slated to arrive soon, the locals are clamoring for more warning signs. It is not unusual to see fun-seekers who ignore warnings and even police whistles and stay on in the sea. Some lifeguards also say people sometimes turn against them when they try to dissuade them from entering dangerous waters.
Video -Adam Wang
Not enough lifeguards
There are only six lifeguards on duty at the beach. Only three guards are on duty everyday when it is essential to have at least six in the beach that has three stretches. Lifeguards are told during training that there should be two guards on duty at a single post. If one guard has to rush into the sea at the time of an accident, another guard has to be available for first aid and other assistance.
Two rescue boards were kept near the washroom building on the beach. The guards say that one of them has been completely destroyed. Of the eight lifesaver belts, five are pretty worn and rather useless.
With the monsoon near, will the authorities wake up and do something about this?
