Puri: Lifeguards operating along Puri beach to prevent drowning incidents among tourists received a major boost Saturday as the Puri civic body and the Tourism department jointly presented them with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
The vehicle was handed over in the presence of hundreds of lifeguards during a special event held on the beach. District Fire Officer Pravat Kumar Rout and Tourism Officer Saroj Pradhan formally presented the ATV.
Capable of traversing sandy stretches with ease, the ATV will help lifeguards patrol the coastline more efficiently and quickly transport rescued persons for immediate medical assistance.
The vehicle will be stationed at the beach outpost for rapid deployment.
Rout said that more equipment would soon be provided to enhance the effectiveness of the lifeguards.