Swimming to Death ?

It is disheartening to notice the increasing number of deaths of those venturing into the sea,  mainly students-  getting drowned in Chennai beaches. Almost every week, one hears about some incident or other about drowning but more than the incident, the details surrounding these  seem to require more attention from the authorities concerned. In the latest incident at the Elliot Beach, an IIT student was noticed to be struggling for help for more than 30 minutes- but the by standers said for nearly an hour. It would be worthwhile going through the statistics of deaths due to drowning in beach goers and the steps taken in this regard.

We understand that swimming is banned off Chennai beaches due to strong undercurrents, although "there is no law to prosecute the offenders" reports Times of India, in its issue dated 9th August , 2011 ! "Swimming in the sea is not illegal and there is no law to punish the offenders", as per the officer at the nearest police station , reports TOI. The interview goes on to state " As policeman we can only patrol the beach and ask people to stay out of the water. However, it is not always easy to control young people...".  As a layman, not exposed to legal terminologies, I am confused here and would appreciate clarifications, from those who understand this.

When an activity is banned , how is that there is no law to prosecute the offenders? Then, what is the meaning of ban?

If smoking is banned or if consumption of some drugs is banned, I am under the impression that it is also punishable by law and that the Police is empowered to punish those involved in defying the ban- Am I right?  The report and the Interview seem to suggest otherwise. When Swimming is banned, how can one say that it is not illegal?

The Corporation Commissioner has said that they are planning a set  of danger signage for beaches and will also be putting up warning messages along the coast. Is that all the Corporation could do in this? I am truly aghast at the indifference and insensitivity of the authorities to human lives!

The report says that " when it comes to providing life guards to man the beaches, both the Corporation and the police pass the buck". When more than 200 lives have been saved by around 10 fisherman engaged by a private organization, why can't the authorities take the clue and responsibility?  If the state is unable to provide sufficient protection at places where it is considered  that the activities of the public could endanger their lives, the authorities cannot afford to just plant some warning signs and watch people die. One must have seen the programme in Television as to how the Australian authorities carefully choose and train  Life guards periodically to man the popular Bondi beach in Sydney. There, the authorities make sure that people get into the waters only with necessary gears and then keep a constant watch. On any sign of distress from the swimmer multiple whistle alarms are sounded and in no time , there is help to support the struggling person in the sea ! Their problems are compounded as they also need to look out for the occasional visitors like sharks that stray to the shore !

Whether in India or Australia, human lives have the same value. Back home, we are yet to stick to the basics and hence more prone to mishaps, as is evident from our (non)adherence to helmet and seat belt requirements while driving. It is for the authorities, to take precautions such as providing trained life guards, round the clock surveillance of sensitive spots on the shore  with modern communication equipments and also issue clear Dos and Don'ts to those venturing into the sea . Being a responsible arm of the state, the Corporation and others concerned cannot afford to provide some formal , sake-of- the-law efforts and watch people die with arms folded and plead their inability. Much more is expected.

Before I could publish this post, I read from today's  newspaper that one more student has drowned off the Marina, the third such incident in the past ten days. Let us not wait for anymore and it is time the authorities swing into actions, faster than the undercurrents at the sea.