Lifeguards: Risking lives to save others

Lifesavers on Karachi's beaches decry lack of respect, facilities

KARACHI:

The 50-kilometre stretch of coastline along Karachi, from Sea View to Cape Mount, is a popular destination for visitors each year. However, beneath the beauty of the shores lies a grim reality: lifeguards working on these beaches face constant danger as they risk their lives to save others, often with limited resources and outdated methods.

The sea along Karachi's coast is known for its rough and unpredictable nature, with strong waves and hidden rocks that pose serious risks to swimmers. Despite the dangers, lifeguards continue their tireless work, primarily using traditional methods - sprinting along the beach and blowing whistles to warn swimmers of impending danger. But for these daily-wagers, the tools of their trade are woefully inadequate.

In other parts of the world, trained rescue teams use modern equipment - including speedboats and jet skis - to handle emergencies. However, Karachi's lifeguards are often left with nothing more than a single life jacket tied around their waists. "A single mistake during a rescue can cost lives, and these resources could make all the difference," Ali Ismail, a lifeguard stationed at Hawk's Bay beach, told The Express Tribune.

The challenges faced by lifeguards are compounded by the attitudes of some visitors. Despite constant warnings, many picnickers ignore lifeguards' advice. Lifeguard Barkat Baloch recalled instances where people refused to heed warnings, only to later find themselves in distress in the water. "The sea doesn't belong to anyone," Ismail said, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of the waters, even for the most experienced swimmers.

The 50-kilometre coastline includes popular spots like Sea View, Hawk's Bay, and Sandspit, each presenting its own set of challenges. The shallow waters in some areas can suddenly drop into deep, treacherous zones, pulling unsuspecting swimmers into dangerous currents. In such moments, lifeguards, like Baloch and Ismail, must be vigilant, often sacrificing their own comfort and safety to watch for signs of distress. These include the repetitive bobbing of a swimmer's head above the waves or the panicked cries of companions calling for help.

Rescue efforts can be grueling, requiring lifeguards to approach swimmers in distress carefully, speaking calmly and reassuringly while lifting them from behind to avoid being grabbed in a panicked frenzy. Lifeguards often work in extreme conditions - under the scorching sun, dehydrated and hungry - focused solely on saving lives. But without proper training, equipment, and resources, their efforts remain limited.

The lack of a stable salary and benefits for lifeguards only adds to the struggle. Barkat, who began as a volunteer after witnessing the heroism of older lifeguards, now works on a daily-wage basis for a nongovernmental organisation. He and his colleagues, around 200 in number, face an uphill battle, with no fixed pay, medical benefits, or job security. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to their work, driven by the sense of duty to protect the lives of beachgoers.

"The job is physically demanding, and often, we have to manage crowds of up to 500 people," Baloch said. In these chaotic situations, lifeguards must stay calm, maintaining control while also dealing with criticism from visitors who may not appreciate their warnings.

The situation is dire. Every year, Karachi's beaches attract 9.5 million visitors, many of whom are unaware of the dangers posed by the sea. Without the necessary resources and support, lifeguards are left to perform heroic tasks with little recognition or compensation. Both Baloch and Ismail call for increased respect for lifeguards and greater investment in the infrastructure that supports beach safety.