the goan I network
PANAJI
Drishti Marine, the State-appointed professional lifeguard agency, will have a team of lifeguards stationed late into the night at 43 beaches along the coast during the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols.
The lifeguards assisted the people during the immersion of one-and-half-day Ganesh idols at different locations across the State.
Idols will now be immersed after five, seven, nine and 11 days.
According to a press note, the agency has also offered suggestions on ways to stay safe during immersion celebrations along the coast.
The team of lifeguards, which will be stationed at the beaches, will assist and aid people in the immersion ritual of the idol of Lord Ganesha which generally takes place late in the night.
Lifeguards will be deployed beyond their regular hour of duty at the identified locations uptill September 13.
At the designated beaches, teams of lifeguards will assist people and ensure they are safe and will assist them to return back to shore safely after the immersion process.
In some cases, if the sea conditions are rough, the lifeguards will offer to carry the idol into the deeper areas for immersion after the ceremonial puja takes place.
Drishti has requested people to carry out their immersion at the main entry point of the beaches where lifeguard teams will be present or approach the lifeguard tower for assistance.
Drishti has cautioned adults to keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and not to allow them to venture into the waters in the dark, no matter how shallow the waters are.
The agency has also advised locals and tourists, who watch the immersions, not to enter the waters and most certainly restrain themselves if they are under the influence of alcohol.
The team has made arrangements to have an additional backup lifeguard team and vehicles on standby in case of any emergency.
The lifeguard teams will be deployed at Baina, Bogmallo, Velsao, Arrosim, Hollant, Majorda, Utorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Sernabatim, Dudhsagar, Benaulim (main beach), Benaulim (near Taj Exotica hotel), Varca, Zalor, Cavelossim, Mobor, Betul and Cananguinim, Agonda, Cabo De Rama, Khola, Palolem, Patnem, Rajbagh, Colamb, Galgibaga, Talpona, Polem, Kerim, Arambol, Morjim, Ashwem, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Coco Beach and Miramar.
