"We have a tie-up with Coast Guard security personnel but that is not sufficient. It takes them at least 20 minutes to reach the beach after they get the information. If a rescue team from the fire and rescue services is ready, they can be roped in immediately," a police officer said.
The request has been sent to the fire services director through the city police commissioner JK Tripathy. "We are hoping to get a positive reply soon. The rescue team will be stationed at Anna Square police station or Marina police station. The team will have a rubber boat and a motor-fitted boat. They can go into the sea and search for victims," the officer added.
Drowning cases off the Marina are a problem that the city police are battling. "Despite all our precautions and rescue teams, two people drowned in June and July. Police personnel with the help of fishermen and volunteers rescued two people who were washed away near Anna Square four days ago," said Triplicane assistant commissioner of police S Senthilkumaran. Anna Square police station is in charge of the coastline of 1.5km from the Cooum River estuary to Kannagi Statue. "We have deployed 15 policemen to patrol the beach. Many tourists and people from other states don't understand our language but they do listen to us eventually. College students are the ones who flout rules," said Anna Square police inspector Mohammad Nasar.
"We have two permanent volunteers at the police station who help us with rescue operations. Some fishermen also come to the aid of the police. We have prevented more than 100 tourists and youngsters from venturing into the sea," the inspector added.
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