By The News Observer Desk,
Kumta: A potentially tragic incident at the main beach of Gokarna taluk was narrowly averted on Tuesday afternoon due to the swift and alert response of on-duty lifeguards. Two young tourists who had ventured into the sea for a swim were caught in a dangerous undercurrent, triggering a tense rescue operation that ultimately saved their lives.
The youths have been identified as Sangamesh Rajappa Patil (23) from Wadi taluk in Kalaburagi district and Jayaprakash (23) from Bidar district. While swimming, both were suddenly pulled into a deep whirlpool-like current and began struggling to stay afloat.
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Their cries for help were promptly noticed by the lifeguard team stationed at the beach. Without wasting a moment, the lifeguards rushed into the sea and carried out a coordinated rescue operation. The rescue was executed by lifeguards Roshan Kharvi, Shivaprasad Ambiga, Mohan Ambiga, and Lokesh Harikantra, under the supervision of Beach Supervisor Ravi Naik. Tourist volunteers Shekhar Harikantra and Gajendra Gowda also joined hands in the life-saving effort.
Additional support was provided by the Main Beach water sports staff, including Jaggu Harikantra, Mahesh Harikantra, Kamalakar Hosakatte, Sachin Harikantra, Mahabaleshwar Harikantra, along with Home Guard personnel Gajanan Nagekar, ensuring the operation was completed safely and efficiently.
It was learned that the rescued youths were part of a group of ten friends from Bengaluru, all employed with a private firm, who had arrived in Gokarna on a leisure trip. The incident occurred while the group was swimming in the sea.
Thanks to the vigilance, preparedness, and rapid action of the lifeguard team, the two young men were rescued from imminent danger. Local residents and tourists alike have lauded the lifeguards for their professionalism and timely intervention, once again highlighting the critical role they play in ensuring beach safety.
Reporting and Videography by Saikiran Babrekar
