PANAJI: More than 800 beachgoers, including tourists and locals, have taken part in Drishti Marine’s Sagar Safar programme, a guided sea-swimming initiative that teaches safe swimming practices, ocean awareness, and lifesaving techniques.
Launched in its current format on November 17, 2025, Sagar Safar sessions have been held across six popular Goan beaches. Colva beach saw the largest turnout, with 719 participants, followed by 35 at Sinquerim, 33 at Benaulim, 11 at Candolim, 8 at Baga, and 2 at Calangute.
Each hour-long session, conducted free of cost at 11 am and 4 pm daily, is led by trained Drishti Marine lifesavers. Participants learn to navigate currents, recognise beach flag systems, overcome fear of the sea, and build confidence in entering coastal waters responsibly.
Visitors can enrol directly with lifesavers on duty. Real-time announcements through the Aurus AI-bot, along with QR codes displayed on lifeguard towers and Drishti Marine vehicles, provide information about upcoming sessions and additional online resources.
Prashant Thakare, a tourist who attended a session at Sinquerim Beach, said, “The Sagar Safar experience is both fun and educational. It’s a unique way to enjoy the beach while learning important safety skills. Everyone should try it at least once.”
Originally launched in 2021 as Swim With Lifesavers, the programme was revived and expanded following positive feedback from participants. It has been constructive for visitors from non-coastal areas and first-time swimmers unfamiliar with sea conditions.
According to the CEO of Drishti Marine, Navin Awasthi, the rising participation reflects a growing interest among beachgoers to engage safely with the ocean. “Understanding currents, flag systems, and the limits of safe swimming helps people make better decisions in the water. We’re seeing more beachgoers taking responsibility for their own safety,” he said.
Each session includes a safety briefing, a guided swim with buoyancy aids and life jackets, and a closing discussion where lifesavers explain rip currents, sea behaviour, and emergency response basics. Sagar Safar runs year-round, except during the monsoon season when swimming is unsafe.
