Kerala: More scuba vans to aid rescue operations
In the first phase, the FRS will procure five scuba vans which will be equipped with the scuba kits.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of frequent drowning incidents in the state, the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) is enhancing its water rescue capabilities by procuring about 70 scuba kits and introducing scuba vans for swift rescue operations. The FRS has also launched a community rescue voluntary scheme on the lines of community policing to train the public in rescue activities, including rescue in water. In the first phase, the FRS will procure five scuba vans which will be equipped with the scuba kits. This would ensure that the scuba diving teams of FRS, which are now stationed at major FRS stations in each district, reach the mishap spots swiftly. At present, the FRS has only around 50 scuba sets.
Orders were already placed for purchasing about 70 more scuba kits which would comprise swimsuits, breathing apparatus, rubber dinghy, under- water fighting equipment and cutters. Swift rescue is vital in saving lives during drowning mishaps. According to the police statistics, of the 1,445 persons who were involved in drowning incidents during 2015, the life of only 65 could be saved while 1,380 died. “We have selected the new products by conducting trials by the existing scuba divers in the FRS. Their feedback from on-field experiences was also used in finalising the specifications. The new kits are expected to be delivered soon,” said FRS director- general A. Hemachandran.
He also said that the scuba vans with scuba kits could also be stationed at water-related activities like boat races so as to ensure swift rescue operations. During the drowning of four at Banasura dam in Wayanad on Sunday night, scuba teams from neighbouring Kozhikode district had to be pressed into service owing to the insufficient number of scuba kits in Wayanad, sources said. The FRS is also imparting training in water rescue operations to many people living near waterbodies under the community rescue voluntary scheme launched a couple of months back. The scheme is aimed at ensuring local people’s participation during mishaps. Training on basic life-saving activities would be imparted to those who volunteer to join the scheme, said Mr. Hemachandran.