Date:09/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/09/stories/2009010961460300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Life guard injured in rescue effort

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: One life guard of the Department of Tourism suffered injuries while trying to rescue a swimmer about to drown off the Fort Kochi beach on Thursday morning.

Life guards Suresh and Reynold spotted Augustine, 50, of Fort Kochi Veli struggling to stay afloat due to heavy current as the sea was rough. The two swam up to him and gave him a lifebuoy.

But heavy current took them to the Naval Base shore, where they were challenged by sentries. Following this, they took the man across the tide and landed amidst shrubs. Suresh, one of the lifeguards, was injured during the rescue operation.