(L-R)Mr. Shreesh Kathavate,VP Business Dev, Drishti, Mr.V.K Kanwar,CEO, Drishti, Mr. Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism & Mr. Lalit Negi, Training Head, SRTA address the media at the Drishti Lifeguard Recruitment Drive in Campal
Drishti Special Response Services which provides beach lifeguard services across the coastal belt under an agreement with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has started its recruitment drive for its next batch of lifeguards today. The lifeguarding agency is currently holding screenings for potential candidates and will continue to do so till 28th April at Panjim and Margao.
Last year’s recruitment drive saw 160 candidates take the screening tests, of which 78 were selected. This year, day one of the screening witnessed a positive turnout with 52 candidates appearing for the preliminary tests.
Said Commander V.K Kanwar, CEO, Drishti Special Response Services, “A total of 130 vacancies are open to both, boys and girls in the age group of 18 to 30 years, who are medically fit. They should also be able to swim a distance of 400 meters under 11 minutes. Selected candidates will be provided training at par with international standards.”
Said Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism, Government of Goa, “Where recruitments are concerned, we have noticed a drop in Goan candidates applying for the position of lifeguards. When we started recruitment in 2008, 100% of the lifeguards were Goans. Since then the numbers have declined. Presently 87% of the force are Goans. At the last recruitment drive the agency was compelled to recruit eligible candidates from other states to make up for the requisite numbers. This year we are looking forward to seeing a large number of candidates from Goa turning up for the recruitment drive.”
Added Lalit Negi, Training Head, SRTA, “Of the candidates who have turned up today, there have been some good swimmers. Intensive training for selected candidates will start next month. On completion of the six week intensive training, candidates will be certified by SRTA (Special Rescue Training Academy) accredited to Canada based IRIA (International Rescue Instructors Authority
The Department of Tourism has set up an efficient lifeguard system which is being managed by the agency Drishti. Over 400 life guards have been deployed along the coastal belt and watch towers have been erected at prominent beaches. The force is equipped with adequate life saving equipment and specially designed vehicles. The results have been extremely positive with instances of drowning dropping drastically.
Drishti Special Response Service, under the Drishti Group has over 400 certified beach lifeguards to provide lifeguarding service along the entire coast of Goa. All lifeguards are certified under by Special Rescue Training Academy (SRTA) which is accredited to International Rescue Instructors Alliance (IRIA), Canada.
Interested candidates can walk in for a screening between 10:00am to 1:00pm till 26th April at the swimming pool at Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), Campal, Panjim and on 27th and 28th April at Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), Fatorda, Margao.
A batch of lifeguard candidates dive in for the Drishti lifeguard recruitment drive at Campal Swimming pool in Panjim