Killer waves haunt Kollam beach

KOLLAM: Kollam beach has turned  deadly for its visitors as over 16 incidents of tourists being caught in waves were reported at the beach this summer alone.

In the  latest incident,  five children, including three girls, were trapped in waves as they ventured out despite repeated warnings  by life guards. In the last seven years,  seven people have been washed away by the furious waves.

A total of eight life guards who were appointed seven years back work in 12-hour shift at the Kollam beach. They lack basic life-saving equipment  except a life buoy and four rescue tubes.

According to them, the tourists often neglect their advice and end up in danger. “We warn the visitors from entering the sea, but they move farther and go to  the sea,” Dolphin Ratheesh, life guard,  told DC.

“The beach also lacks permanent service of police. They arrive only in case of accidents. The majority of accidents could be avoided if police were more vigilant,” Mr. Ratheesh added.

According to experts, the waves at the Kollam beach have turned more furious with the construction of Thangasseri breakwaters. The beach is also three metres deep closer to the shore, which adds to the severity of the issue.

It lacks proper sign boards displaying warnings to its visitors except one at a corner. The guards demand for red flags, ropes, iron rods, alarms and other safety amenities, including sign boards in multiple languages, has been ignored.

Meanwhile, another beautiful and shallow beach, Thirumullavaram, with tourism potential, which is closer to the city, has been  neglected by the authorities.