PANAJI
Drishti Lifesaving which manages the lifeguarding services along Goa’s beaches has warned people from venturing into the sea and even “wading into the waters” in view of the onset of monsoon.
“We have put up red flags at all the beaches which means swimming is banned. Our team of lifeguards, which is trained to carry out rescues even in rough weather, are monitoring the weather condition,” Ravi Shankar, CEO, Drishti Marine said.
In case of a dry spell over the next few months and depending on weather conditions, Drishti may open up a few beach stretches so that visitors can wade into the waters.
Explained Ravi Shankar, “Goa’s coastline is quite complex and requires mapping every morning. If weather conditions are favourable, we may open up the zones on some of the beaches for visitors. These zones can be identified by the red and yellow flags and will be decided on a daily basis depending on the day’s weather. However, even in such conditions, swimming is not advisable due to the presence of underwater currents and rip tides.”
Drishti especially cautioned adults to keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and not to allow them to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow the water may be.
The Goa government shuts down the beaches for swimming and all water sports activities during the monsoon from June to August each year as the sea during this season tends to get extremely rough and choppy. Goa will also be observing a 61-day fishing ban till July 31.
Nearly 1,500 trawlers have docked for the entire period of the ban.
