DUBAI // Rescuing swimmers from rough seas while battling against strong underwater currents is part and parcel of a demanding day’s work for the country’s lifeguards.
To hone their skills and raise awareness about water safety, 100 rescuers have taken part in the 11th UAE Lifeguard Championships.
“When I watch a swimmer in the sea I can judge if she can come back easily or she is struggling,” said Harnina Ayoub from the Philippines, who is captain of Dubai Municipality ladies’ team.
“The sea that looks so calm can have currents that drag even strong swimmers away, or a swimmer can get cramp or gets tired and cannot make it back.
The all-woman squad was among 16 teams competing in day-long sprint, endurance and relay races on Tuesday at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa.
“We must realise there is a problem even before a victim raises her hand and shouts for help,” said Ms Ayoub, who has saved 20 lives this year and more than 100 in her 22 years with the municipality.
“The worst scenario is when little children struggle in the pool without their parents and struggle to breathe.”
The competition helped lifeguards to exchange information about programmes used in hotels, adventure parks, pools and health clubs around the country.
“We get a lot of exposure because it’s not only about winning, we get to learn what others are doing,” Ms Ayoub said.
Lifeguards from Khidmah, the Abu Dhabi facilities management company that manages health clubs and beach sites, have rescued paddlers who fractured a limb in kayaking accidents, and children in crowded pools.
“Our duty is vigilance, to keep people safe,” said Lyndon Delicano, who has worked with Khidmah for three years. “These people are family so they are my concern, just like I come here for a job to look after my family.
Mr Delicano, a Filipino, and his teammates train at 5am before work starts with a 2-kilometre run, sprint and distance swims.
But in the real world, the protocol is to quickly assess the danger a swimmer is experiencing and extricate the victim within 20 seconds.
“I’m not scared for my life because I know I can swim, but I must help somebody who is in trouble and cannot swim,” said Vijaya Kumara, a Sri Lankan lifeguard with Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, who has saved more than 25 lives in five years.
Bojan Kolodjera, Le Royal Meridien’s club director, said: “They are responsible for people’s lives so throughout the year they are accountable.
“They must be fit and agile, so this is a perfect event to test their skills and showcase their talents, because just participating is tough enough.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae