Strolling along the beaches in Thanh Khe District specifically, and the city in general, residents and tourists can easily spot the lifeguards from the Management Board of the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist Beaches. Their mission is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors while they swim.
Nguyen Van Xuan and his colleagues are always vigilant, ensuring the safety of residents and tourists at Xuan Ha Beach.
Lifeguarding at the beach is a unique profession, as anyone who takes up this job must confront the challenges posed by fierce waves. With Da Nang entering the tourism season, the influx of tourists and residents to the beaches increases, making the lifeguards' work even more demanding.
Every day at the Xuan Ha Beach in Thanh Khe District, from 4:30 AM to 8:30 AM and from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Lifeguard Team 13 focuses intensely on their tasks. Dressed in yellow shirts and red shorts, they begin their day at dawn by swimming out to place flags in deep waters and rip current areas, then returning to the shore to monitor the swimmers.
During their watch, if they spot anyone swimming beyond the safe zone, they blow their whistles to warn them back to shore. During peak tourist season, the number of swimmers increases dramatically, requiring them to be on duty for 10 to sometimes 12 hours a day to ensure absolute safety at the Xuan Ha Beach.
Moreover, to minimize risks, the lifeguard team creates safe swimming zones daily, based on tides and times, providing security and peace of mind for tourists.
Tran Manh Ninh, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared that he felt very secure with the presence of Da Nang’s beach lifeguards. As a result, his family could enjoy the summer in the cool water without any fear of danger.
As shared by Dang Van Sy, a member of Lifeguard Team 13, he had been doing this job for nearly five years. Whether it rained or shone, they were always on duty. For him and his teammates, it was not just a job to make a living but also a responsibility to the community. The sea was vast, and there were many people; therefore, ordinary people would be overwhelmed. However, lifeguards always kept watch to spot any unusual signs and act promptly.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Van Xuan, the team leader of Lifeguard Team 13, shared that his most memorable moment happened over a month ago. It was around 7:10 AM, and the sea was calm when suddenly there were shouts from the water. He and his teammates swam out to rescue a female tourist, using their professional skills and experience to perform first aid and ensure her safety.
Xuan doesn’t remember how many people he and his colleagues have saved, but they view lifeguarding as a mission to protect human lives.
In addition to rescue skills, quick response, and excellent swimming abilities, lifeguards must remain calm when approaching a victim to ensure their own safety and that of the person in distress. During drowning incidents, victims often panic; if approached improperly, the rescuer may be grabbed tightly, putting both at risk of being submerged.
With six years of experience, lifeguard Nguyen Van Anh shared that during the sunny season, the beach is very crowded on weekends, especially during the city’s firework competitions. He said that amid the sea of people, he must remain highly focused to identify and assist anyone in danger promptly. He noted that their team has rescued many people swept away by the waves, and each rescue brings them joy and pride. However, they also face significant challenges and risks.
After the peak hours in the morning and afternoon, team members take turns keeping watch for the rest of the day. They are dedicated and swift in handling various situations along the more than one-kilometer stretch of beach they manage, from Ton That Dam Street to Ha Khe Street.
With their unique outdoor job, the first and foremost requirement is a sense of responsibility and adherence to the unit’s rules, never losing focus. Protecting the safety of residents and tourists also enhances the image of Da Nang as a tourist-friendly city.
Thanh Khe Beach being a tourist destination, lifeguards consider themselves as guides who genuinely enjoy their work and remain dedicated.
"To excel in this role, team members need to continuously enhance their physical fitness and swimming abilities, and stay updated on weather conditions to adapt our plans accordingly. We rely on the cooperation and support of residents and tourists to carry out our responsibilities effectively", Xuan emphasized.
Reporting by Anh Linh - Translating by Truc Vy