Paktel cellular service provider has entered into an agreement with a specialised NGO, "Pakistan Aquatic Life Saving" (PALS) to provide and assist beach rescue services. The experts from New Zealand have imparted training to some 150 lifeguards mostly belonging to the families of fishermen.
Paktel Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Xavier Rocoplan stated this at a press briefing here on Wednesday.
"The initiative has been taken to ensure availability of a proper beach rescue service for beach-goers by entering into an agreement with PALS," he added.
He said PALS lifeguards have been intensively trained by the New Zealand Life Guard Association (NLGA) and Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Northern Region (SLNSR). The lifeguards have been equipped with modern rescue equipment, which would be used by them in their designated areas of shore rescue operations. PALS would administer rescue services.
PALS is formally associated with the NLGA and SLSNR. It has also become a member of the International Lifeguard Federation (ILS) early this year.
Xavier Rocoplan said, "The service is initially to be launched at Clifton and Sea View beach side which receives thousands of visitors daily, especially in the hot weather."
He said, "Paktel is pleased to be associated with PALS in this very noble mission that will benefit the people from all strata of society.
"The shoreline of Karachi is one of the few recreational spots not only for Karachiites, but for the people coming from all parts of the country. A beach rescue service was essentially required and today it is a reality."
Paktel's National Marketing Manager Akbar Khan said, "PALS tabled a proposal to us for support. We instantly reacted positively due to beach tragedies that regularly occurred at the coastline and can easily be avoided if someone has the will to do something to save lives."
PALS will set up an emergency rescue service with 10 trained lifeguards patrolling the Clifton Sea View beach daily from 3:00 pm to midnight on weekdays and from 11:00 am to midnight on weekends and public holidays.
The NGO will be fully responsible for operating the service, which will include marking of 'no-go' areas with flag towers, rescuing people who may be in danger of drowning and providing first aid.
PALS Founder Reza Samad said, "PALS is indeed indebted to Paktel for coming forward and supporting us in this essential community service."
"Every year, there are over 250 deaths due to drowning at Karachi beaches as a vast majority of our citizens do not know how to swim and even good swimmers can get carried away by the waves, especially in the monsoon months," he added. "We are earnestly looking forward to the support and co-operation of the concerned authorities and the general public in making this service a success," Samad said and hoped that other corporate supporters will also come forward so that we can extend this service to all the beaches in Karachi."
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