Chennai: Not a week passes without news of people drowning, either in swimming pools or beaches in the country. The latest victim is eight-year-old Vignesh, who drowned in a swimming pool in Chennai recently as there was no lifeguard to save him.
But chances are that even if there had been one, the young schoolboy may not have survived.
Result of an endurance and rescue test conducted by the Rashtriya Life Saving Society for lifeguards appointed by the Tamil Nadu government has revealed shocking facts -- 70 per cent per cent of lifeguards couldn't pass the test.
"Out of 126, only 38 passed. Clearly shows lack of swimming skills, stamina and technique," said Shiva Sundaram President (South), Rashtriya Life Saving Society.
These lifeguards are attached to the Sports Development Authority Of Tamil Nadu. Strangely, the criterion for selection is the mere ability to swim.
"We were disqualified but we've now been trained well and have another chance in a few months," said M Pushpabalan who works as a lifeguard.
Experts say lifeguards in private pools need much more training, but unlike the government agency, they are reluctant to subject themselves to this test.
What's shocking is that these two boys you see behind me are the only lifeguards from a private pool who have signed up for this.