Let’s inculcate a healthy respect for the sea... and authority

Representation Pic

Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other authorities issued an alert for high sea waves in Mumbai and coastal areas in proximity. This was backed by the BMC also issuing an advisory for people not to get too close to the coastline and not to enter the sea during that timeframe.

While those cautionary 36 hours have passed, it is time to broaden the ambit of these warnings as heat scorches and the sea waters invite.

The beaches are a go-to destination during summer as they should be. However, there has to be prudence when enjoying the water. Watch out and adhere to warnings on our beaches, one cannot be dismissive. Avoid trying to walk on slippery tetrapods or perilous perches, foolishly confident that you may never fall into the water. One slip or a huge wave may knock you off balance. We see youngsters perched on these rocks and even doing some daredevilry without a care in the world. One cannot emphasise enough that water is so powerful, it can take you away in an instant. Strong swimmers, etc. do not stand a chance too.

For long now, lifeguards have complained about people defying them, going into deep waters when asked not to, even dropping their mobile phones by mistake in the water and then, diving in trying to retrieve them. The lifeguards have been scolded, even pushed around when they try to stop people from entering the waters.

As students, tourists, families flock to our beaches to cool off, respect and safety should be the two operating principles. Respect for rules, warning signs and the water, and safety above stunts and a misguided and dangerous sense of complacency and superiority. While the warnings were for high waves, let us be mindful generally that we desist from entering the waters when told specifically not to.