Chennai: Following 13 drownings in the sea off the Marina over the past 50 days, police have strengthened the emergency mechanism in the back.
This includes publicising WhatsApp numbers to receive alerts and rescue infrastructure. The police have planned to set up a lifeguard unit to prevent any more deaths by drowning. Coastal Security Group Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) will be the coordinating officer of the special unit.
Director General of Police C Sylendra Babu held a coordination meeting with the officials of the Greater Chennai City Police, Greater Chennai Corporation, Coastal Security Group, Fire and Rescue Services and other departments for setting up the Marina Beach Life Guard Unit.
On Wednesday, two juveniles including an ITI student were feared dead after they were dragged in by huge waves in separate incidents.
While the emergency mechanism already comprises outposts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and life-guards, police teams will now patrol the sand stretch till late evening hours under a new arrangement.