Sri Lankan Surfer Dies At Arguam Bay

23rd October 2009 Former Arugam Bay Surf Club Chairman, Ranjan, died of a massive heart attack whilst surfing at Baby Point, Arugam Bay, on the East Coast of Sri Lanka.

Attempts of CPR by both local people and western tourists alike, to revive the 49-year-old proved fruitless as numerous locals stood helpless around him.

Ranjan died doing something that was close to his heart and will be sorely missed. He was a mellow and humorous pillar of the local community, leaving behind a wife and three sons. Alan, the eldest, is a regular surfer, who uses UK surfboards donated by the charity Paddle4Relief, which provides support for the forgotten victims of the 2004 tsunami.

Ranjan's death again shows the need for both Beach Life Guard and a Medical Centre in the village. With the Civil War over, internal travel within Sri Lanka, particularly the East and North is more relaxed, so seeing increasing numbers of both Western and Sri Lankan Tourists crowding the beach and sea. It is now more apparent that there is a desperate need of qualified life savers.

Regularly local surfers are rescuing individuals from the unpredictable tropical coastline. The young surfers of the village are demanding action to prevent further loss of life. They are willing to undergo training and man the local surf breaks in an attempt to save life and prevent injury. These young men are turning to the International Humanitarian, Medical, Surfing, Surf Life Saving and Water Sports Communities to assist them.

Out of respect to Ranjan the community of Arugam Bay are focused on making this a reality, and hope that all that read this article can be generous in offering either practical or financial help. Please contact Tim Tanton at Paddle4Relief - tim@paddle4relief.co.uk

Sri Lankan Surfer Dies At Arguam Bay

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