How’s this for irony? Police aspirants who will probably never have to run five kilometres in one go are made to do so, and several die in the process; but those aspiring to be firemen —who are often required to part of flood rescue operations, and are posted at beaches during the monsoons don’t need to know swimming.

Two boys fell into the water after huge waves lashed Marine Drive. While one of them was rescued, the other died. Fire brigade officers are seen here pulling out the body. File pic