PANAJI
An extreme summer is on the cards for India as 36 weather stations in cities across the country recorded temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius on Monday. The Indian meteorological department (IMD) has predicted heat waves in Eastern India and Northwest parts of India in the coming two days. As a result, more people are flocking to the beaches to cool off in the rising heat.
Domestic tourists have been heading to Goa with families in tow for their annual summer break. Temperatures in the State are set to soar this month with the summers reaching its peak. According to the India Metrological Department (IMD), since March 1, till date, the maximum temperature has been above 36 degree Celsius for the continuous period. The maximum temperature over Goa is likely to remain 4-6 degree Celsius above the normal value.
With tourists and locals heading to the beach to get some respite from the heat and cool off amidst the waves, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency has issued a summer advisory on simple ways to stay safe while at the beach during the hot summer month.
Drishti’s 450-strong lifesaving force man Goa’s beaches throughout the year.
Owing to the present sea conditions, it is advisable to swim between the flags marked in red and yellow as they indicate moderate surf and currents while strictly avoiding the red flag areas which indicate the non-swim zones. A beach umbrella is ideal to protect from the sun’s direct heat, keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid heat-stroke, carrying sunscreen to avoid sunburns is advisable.
Though the sea is inviting during the sweltering summers, however, the seemingly calm waves may have rip currents, flash currents and underwater currents that the beach goers need to be cautious about before taking a dip into the sea, cautioned Dristi.
Navin Awasthi, operations head at Drishti Marine said, “There are 35 lifesaver towers spread across Goa. In case of any injury, it is best for the beach goers to approach a lifesaver as each lifesaver tower is equipped with a first aid kit.”
Each morning, lifesavers map the sea currents, changes in wind patterns and underwater activity in order to identify safe swim zones along every beach and mark them with the red and yellow flags. Unsafe zones which are at risk of rip and underwater currents are marked out by red flags, indicating that it is unsafe to swim.
