‘A Woman Lifeguard In Goa Prompts Both – Surprise & Respect’
Charmaine deSouza (46), one of the three woman lifesavers guarding the Goa beaches, describes what it means to be in a profession dominated by men in our country
I am a lifesaver at Drishti Marine, a marine safety and rescue services across all the beaches in Goa on behalf of state tourism department. Before I joined Drishti, I was a freelance writer and swimming instructor.
I didn’t have a choice about swimming. As an infant, my paediatrician detected that my legs were not developing the way they should and this may affect my gait. The doctor told my parents that learning swimming may help this condition. I learnt to swim in the sea at a depth where my parents could stand. And before I was a two-year old, I was negotiating water in freestyle. I was able to walk, thanks to the hours spend in the sea.
In the late 80s and the early 90s, a popular TV serial Baywatch was a hit among teenagers and young adults. I too found the vocation and the thrills that came with it fascinating. When the job with Drishti was available, I applied for the post without a second thought. The training was challenging but I loved seeing how far I could push myself. It involved all the rescue techniques and a lot of theory.
My experience has been fabulous and I love the surf, sun and sand. I enjoy being at the beach every day. I love that the work atmosphere is happy. The response from the people has been a mix of surprise and respect. They want to strike up conversations and take pics. I’ve even had people walk up to me and thank me and the rest of the lifesaver for keeping the beaches safe.
I’m not sure about the rest of India but here in Goa everyone is surprised to see a woman lifesaver and say we need more women in this line. I sincerely feel Drishti Marine is making a difference by hiring more lady lifesavers and I feel more women should step forward and choose this as a career especially if they love the beach and swimming. When I was in Candolim for my On Job Training, a group of young girls ranging from 10-15 walked up to me and asked if I was a lifesaver. I told them I was training to be one. They all mumbled an “awesome” and then added that they want to be lifesavers when they grow up.
In another incident, after getting posted in Baga Beach (still on training) we did a swim with lifesavers on women’s day and a ten-year old girl who came for it said it’s the coolest job ever and she would like to be a lifesaver when she’s old enough. I hope that these girls become lifesavers in a few years’ time.
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It is important to have women lifesavers. We may not match the physical strength of the men but it makes female swimmers feel safer. I’ve had a few ladies and a young girl walk up to me and tell me they feel safer seeing a woman lifesaver on duty especially when there are large numbers of men around. It also makes some of them feel more comfortable being attended to by a lady.
People ask me why more women are not employed as lifesavers. I tell them the opportunity exists but women themselves don’t step ahead because they feel they cannot match the physical demands of the job. However there are various roles that women can play very well in being part of the lifesaving force.
I believe it’s good to stray from the beaten path and choose a line that you feel passionate about. After becoming a lifesaver as tough and as long as the hours may be, every day feels like a holiday. The end of the day leaves you happy. If you love water, enjoy spending time near the sea then this is a line you’ll love and it won’t feel like work either.
As Told To Mamta Sharma
