It is learnt that, in order to enhance beach safety, the State government-appointed life-saving agency is in the process of demarcating 65 swim zones along Goa’s popular beaches, with 40 already in place across 10 beaches. The swim zones have been divided into three categories for families, men, and women. A dedicated women’s swim zone has been introduced to ensure the additional safety and comfort of women on the beaches so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Traditionally, lifeguarding has been seen as a male-dominated field, but women are now proving their capabilities in this role. Female lifeguards in Goa, like those in other fields, face the challenge of not being taken seriously by beachgoers, who may underestimate their authority or ignore their warnings. Incidentally, an adequate number of women lifeguards may not be seen on Goan beaches. Ideally, every beach should have at least a few women lifeguards.
Like men, women are equally at risk of drowning in seawater while swimming. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, a form of artificial ventilation, is the act of assisting or stimulating respiration, in which a rescuer presses their mouth against that of the victim and blows air into the person’s lungs. Lifeguards should be provided with a resuscitation device for use in performing mouth-to-mouth. The device has a plastic film shield to place on the casualty’s face, with a one-way valve that goes over their mouth.
