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Restoring Hope: Compassionate Measures in Reviving Individuals Post Water Rescue

Embarking on water rescues demands not just skills but the heart to act swiftly, courageously, and with a deep understanding of life-saving techniques. Yet, the story doesn’t conclude once the victim is brought ashore. The moments following a water rescue are pivotal, holding the key to an individual’s survival. In this blog, let’s explore the heartfelt steps of resuscitation after a water rescue, delving into the intricate process of reviving hope when it matters the most.

Swift Assessment of Vital Signs:

As we step onto dry land, the first act is to connect with the person we’ve saved – checking for responsiveness, breathing, and a pulse. In moments of unconsciousness or when breath eludes them, time becomes our most precious ally.

Initiate CPR Immediately:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) becomes the lifeline in these scenarios. We commence with chest compressions and rescue breaths, ensuring a rhythmic dance that sustains oxygen circulation. Every second becomes a heartbeat in this symphony of life.

Embracing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs):

AEDs emerge as trusted companions in our resuscitation journey. When available, we embrace these devices promptly. They become storytellers, analyzing the heart’s rhythm and delivering shocks if needed – a potential restoration of a normal heartbeat, a narrative of life renewed.

Positioning with Care:

The person we’ve pulled from the water deserves a gentle embrace of a firm surface. This aids in effective chest compressions. We delicately position their head, ensuring an open airway, a channel for unobstructed breathing – a small gesture, yet monumental in its impact.

Monitor and Adjust:

We become vigilant guardians, constantly reassessing the condition of our saved companion. Signs of improvement guide us to persist in our care. In the absence of response, we reassess, adapting our resuscitation efforts with empathy and determination.

Harmonize with Emergency Services:

In the midst of resuscitation, a call to emergency services becomes a heartfelt plea for collaboration. Our words, clear and concise, convey the urgency of the situation and our location. Professional assistance intertwines with our efforts, creating a tapestry of comprehensive rescue.

Embracing the Chill – Hypothermia Considerations

Water rescues expose our companions to the cold embrace of water. We address hypothermia with tender care – wrapping them in blankets, monitoring body temperature. Each act becomes a shared warmth, a commitment to comfort in the face of adversity.

Post-Resuscitation Care:

 The success of resuscitation marks not an end but a hopeful beginning. As consciousness returns, we become devoted observers. Seeking medical attention, we address underlying issues, ensuring a thorough evaluation – a commitment to sustained recovery.

Written by…

George Makasare

Vice President(Ops – Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) & Committee Member of Guideline Development Group for WHO Intr.

Neck injury : Shedding Light on the Hidden Dangers of Drowning

In the realm of drowning incidents, where the looming danger of asphyxiation takes center stage, there exists an undercover peril that silently prowls beneath the water’s surface – neck injuries. Our neck, a delicate and vital part of our anatomy, becomes vulnerable during such harrowing events, demanding our attention to potential consequences that are often overlooked.

Navigating the Rapids: The Mechanism of Neck Injuries

Neck injuries in drowning scenarios usually emerge from sudden impacts or forces. Picture the chaos of a water emergency – a fall, a collision, or the desperate struggle for survival – all exerting substantial stress on the cervical spine and its surrounding structures. The neck, with its delicate nature, is prone to damage, and the aftermath can be severe.

The Symphony of Movement: Cervical Spine Complications

Our cervical spine, a harmonious ensemble of seven vertebrae in the neck region, orchestrates the support for our head and enables a graceful range of movements. However, when faced with the force of a drowning incident, these vertebrae can suffer fractures, dislocations, or other traumatic injuries. The resulting damage may extend to the spinal cord, introducing neurological complications and potential long-term consequences.

SOS: Prompt Medical Attention is Our Lifeline

Recognizing the signs of a neck injury during or after a drowning incident becomes paramount. Symptoms like pain, difficulty moving the neck, or tingling sensations should act as our distress signals. In such situations, seeking medical attention promptly is our lifeline. Delayed intervention might amplify the severity of the injury and jeopardize the chances of a full recovery.

Life Jackets and Lifeguards: Prevention and Preparedness

While accidents are unpredictable, we can act as guardians by taking preventive measures and being prepared for water-related emergencies. Enforcing safety measures, like donning appropriate flotation devices and providing vigilant supervision, is essential to minimize the potential for accidents.

Empowering the Aquatic Community: Educating the Public

Raising awareness about the risk of neck injuries in drowning incidents becomes a mission of utmost importance. Through community education initiatives, swimming lessons, and the dissemination of safety protocols, we can contribute to a collective effort in preventing water-related accidents. The more informed the public is, the better equipped we become to respond effectively in emergency situations.

Written by…

George Makasare

Vice President(Ops – Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) & Committee Member of Guideline Development Group for WHO Intr

Navigating the Depths: Safeguarding Against Spinal Injuries in Water Mishaps

In the realm of water incidents, drowning is commonly linked with the peril of suffocation. However, beneath the surface lies an often overlooked peril – the potential for significant spinal injuries. This piece delves into the intricacies of spinal trauma resulting from falls or leaps into the water, underscoring the need for vigilance around water bodies.

The Force and Angle of Entry:

When an individual takes the plunge from a height into the water, the force and angle of entry become pivotal determinants of potential spinal injuries. The impact can lead to fractures or dislocations in the vertebrae, causing immediate harm to the spine. Recognizing the physics of water entry is essential for both swimmers and those tasked with overseeing water activities.

Risk Factors:

Various elements elevate the risk of spinal injuries in drowning incidents. A lack of supervision stands out as a significant contributor, as diligent oversight can thwart reckless behaviors that might result in perilous water entries. Shallow waters present an additional hazard – an individual hitting the bottom is more susceptible to spinal trauma, underscoring the need to gauge depth before diving or jumping.

Prevention Measures:

To alleviate the risk of spinal injuries in drowning incidents, it is imperative to prioritize safety and awareness. Adhering to designated diving zones and heeding warning signs about water depth is crucial. Supervision, particularly for children and novice swimmers, takes precedence. Educating individuals about the potential repercussions of unsafe water entries can foster responsible behavior.

Exercise Caution:

The fundamental message is a simple yet potent one: always exercise caution around bodies of water. Whether you find yourself at a pool, lake, or any aquatic setting, comprehending the risks linked with water entries can significantly diminish the likelihood of spinal injuries during drowning incidents. Staying attuned to your surroundings and following safety guidelines can make a substantial difference in averting accidents.

Written by…

George Makasare

Vice President(Ops – Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) & Committee Member of Guideline Development Group for WHO Intr.

Abhijeet Bhattarcharya, a dedicated lifesaver and  trainer was faced with a most unenviable situation.  His father was sick with Covid19, Oxygen level were down to 78 and his condition deteriorating.  No ICU beds, no ventilators, no oxygen, no doctors and no was money available to pay for space in a Covid hotel. When I asked him if I could help with some money, he said that he would look after his father himself with the skills, knowledge and expertise he has acquired as a trainer with the Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India). Along with his father, he also began to attend to four aged neighbors with similar symptoms.

Over the next two weeks he put his father on a strict diet, routine of steam inhalation, saline gargle, deep breathing and prayers.  Combined, all these helped and he proudly informed me that his father had recovered and tested “Negative”. The same was the case with his aged neighbors. 

In my opinion, whatever Abhijeet did must have helped but what would have contributed most to his father’s recovery was the fact that he had help and assurance from a doting son.  This made him fight more strongly for his life. On Abhijeet’s part was his confidence as a Master Lifesaving Skills trainer and the belief that he was going to get his father well.

Remember the more lifesavers we have, the more Surakshit Bharat we shall attain.

Author: Retd. Rear Admiral P D Sharma – Founder President RLSS (India)

One of the most important aspirations of RLSS (India) is the dream to have ‘a lifesaver in every home’. The dream can only be realised if we train lifesavers at a much faster rate involving and encouraging greater number of trainers to train lifesavers.  RLSS (India) having trained half a million lifesavers in over two decades is not enough as we are targeting young adults in almost 350 million homes in the country. To give an impetus to our training effort setting up an Award for those who achieve most in training lifesavers was an obvious choice.  It is hoped that the award of the Trophy will generate all round interest in training more lifesavers. 

The Trophy has been named after Mr. Ron Rankin AM, former President of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) who was five times awarded “Lifesaver of the Year” by SLSA.

Mrs. Anez Katre, Lifesaver of the year 2014

The Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) instituted the “Lifesaver of the Year” award with Mrs Anez Katre of The Doon School  winning the inaugural award, presented on 4^th June 2014 at Pune during Rescue INDIA at the hands of Mrs. Dianne Montalto, President RLSS (Australia). 

Anez  Katre  at the time was an important member on the Doon School faculty. A keen swimmer she promoted lifesaving training at the Doon School and other schools in Dehradun. She also promoted lifesaving sports, bringing a team to participate in most Rescue INDIA National Lifesaving Championships. Now retired and based in Delhi, she keeps in regular touch with RLSS (I).

Tej Narayan Bhagat, Lifesaver of the year 2016

Tej from Pune is a popular Swimming & Lifesaving Sports Coach, Swimming pool operator and maintainer who has been regularly bringing a team to participate in Rescue INDIA series. He has many rescues of drowning victims to his credit.

Tarun Murugesh, Lifesaver of the year 2017 

Tarun has represented in most National & World Lifesaving Sports Championships and has done India proud, winning many medals. Based in Chennai, he is a Master Trainer for Lifesaver/Lifeguard and helps his mother, Ms Jayanthi Murugesh running an “All Women’s Lifesaving Centre of RLSS (I) in Tamil Nadu.

Criteria for selection for the award of “LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR”

• Must be a volunteer lifesaver.
• Must be 16 years or above of age. 
• Must be proficient in English and/or the language he/she wishes to train in.
• Must be literate with basic understanding of language, ability to read and write.
• Must have current award to the level of training lessons he/she may be called upon to impart.
• Must be financially solvent.
• Must have contributed to lifesaving and community safety activities during the past year or more. Longer involvement with the Lifesaving Movement shall be preferred during the assessment.
• Must be associated with and in good standing with RLSS (I).
• Must display continued commitment to RLSS (I) and it programmes.
• Must be capable of acting as a representative or an ambassador of RLSS (I).
• Must submit details of any outstanding rescues, contributions or achievements. 
• Must submit either in writing or at interview an opinion about the future of lifesaving in India, its development and solutions for challenges currently faced by RLSS (I).
• Consideration will be given to recognize prior learning/current expertise in lifesaving skills at the discretion of the National Headquarters if recommended by a branch head or licensee.
• Nominations for the Lifesaver of the Year Award should be endorsed or recommended by a person of authority such as the Head of the local RLSS (I) Branch/Licensee or an Officer from the District/State/Central authority in recognition of the contribution made by the Nominee in providing relief to the public in times of distress or disasters.   

Selection and Award of Trophy

• Nominations for the Award should reach the National Headquarters by 30^th of December for the Award to be presented at the ‘Rescue India’ National Lifesaving Sports Championship in the following year.
• Upon receipt of nominations, an Evaluation Committee will be constituted to assess and recommend the Winner briefly giving reason for the same to the President for his final approval.
• The presentation of the Award shall be made at the conclusion of the annual National Sports Lifesaving Championship when a large gathering of Lifesavers, athletes and guests are expected to be present.
• The Trophy will be awarded to the winner at the hands of the Chief Guest along with a certificate and replica.

8 Indian Beaches accorded the prestigious “Blue Flag” Certification

Certifying beaches to fly the Blue Flag started in Europe first as beach lovers found many beaches littered with dirt and plastics and remains of beach parties. Over 4500 beaches fly the Blue Flag in Europe with Beach Management Systems (BEAMS) in place. 

In India it started 2 years ago with a dream to make Indian beaches safe and clean. Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SECOM) under the Ministry of Environment worked on the project, selected the beaches and floated tenders. The winners were given the task to develop the beaches to meet the criteria for certification. Of the 33 criteria only 3 related to safety which is understandable for European countries where safety consciousness is high and safety systems are in place. But not so in India!

The Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) or RLSS (I), therefore, stepped in to contribute in support of the Beach Management System (BEAMS) in phases like:

Creating a Safe Swim Haven marked with red & yellow flags was declared an important task for lifeguards to set up every morning, all in support of the Beach Management System. They worked tirelessly mapping, creating approaches, cleaning and marking the safe areas and rigging the beaches to international standards of safety and services. 

RLSS (I) congratulates every person, who has been a part of this effort. It was difficult as many hurdles and challenges had to be overcome, but now when we look at these serene beaches, we know that we have done well by the cause of safer and cleaner beaches in India.

A Glimpse of these Wonderful Beaches

What is Blue Flag?

The Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognized Eco-label accorded by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark. The status is accorded only after meeting thirty-three criteria under four major heads, namely – environmental education & information; bathing water quality; environmental management & conservation; and safety & services on the beach. The Blue Flag beaches are considered clean, safe and friendly.

India is among the few countries in Asia, which has accepted to designate beaches to fly the Blue Flag fulfilling the criteria that goes with it. This certification is a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts for its beaches.

#BlueFlag #CleanBeaches #SafeBeaches #RLSSIndia

Written by…

Rear Admiral P D Sharma, AVSM, NM, IN Retd.

Founder President RLSS (India)

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