MARGAO
In view of the upcoming tourist season, lifeguards were instructed to maintain 24×7 vigilance on the beach belt in South Goa, especially on weekends and holidays and report any incidents like drowning, altercations, or suspicious activity immediately to their respective police station and control room.
Police Inspectors of the police station having jurisdiction over the coastal belt have been directed to ensure preventive patrolling, especially in vulnerable areas and to act swiftly on inputs from lifeguards.
These decisions were taken at a coordination meeting with the representatives of Drishti Lifeguards was convened by South Goa district chief, Tikam Singh Verma, IPS, at the South Goa district police headquarters in the presence of SDPO Margao, Sidhant Shirodkar, Police Inspectors of Colva, Canacona, Vasco, and Mormugao PS. The meeting aimed to strengthen beach safety, improve police-lifeguard coordination, and ensure the safety of tourists and locals.
It was decided that each police station will nominate a liaison officer to coordinate with lifeguard supervisors and dedicated communication groups will be set up for real-time updates between lifeguards and police.
The lifeguards were also directed to caution the tourists against unsafe swimming, deep water entry and alcohol consumption on beaches. Damaged or missing safety signages should be reported. Incidents of narcotics, illegal vending, theft, or tourist harassment must be promptly brought to the police’s attention.
While directing the Police Inspectors to ensure preventive patrolling, especially in vulnerable areas and to act swiftly on inputs from lifeguards, it was further decided that quarterly joint mock drills with lifeguards and Fire & Emergency Services will be conducted for better disaster response.
Lifeguards have been asked to maintain first-aid kits and inform police about rescue equipment status. A daily incident log will be maintained and shared with the police station. Police to review these logs weekly and update UD records accordingly.
Additionally, plain-clothes staff will conduct random checks to curb narcotics and tourist harassment. Visible police presence will be ensured during sunset hours and night beach activities.
