JANET MASCARENHAS
Perched atop a watchtower overlooking the coastline, a lifeguard may appear relaxed to the casual observer. In reality, every second demands constant vigilance. Across Goa, Drishti Marine provides professional lifeguard services on behalf of the Department of Tourism, ensuring the safety of thousands of beachgoers every day.
Long before tourists arrive, lifeguards begin their routine. Shashikant Jadhav, Manager-Operations at Drishti Marine, says the day starts with inspecting rescue equipment and placing colour-coded flags marking safe swimming zones.
"Before the beach gets busy, we assess the sea conditions and identify hazards like rip currents," Shashikant says.
Their role extends far beyond watching the water. Lifeguards make safety announcements, guide visitors to safe swimming areas, assist stranded marine animals and act as first responders during emergencies.
Behind the scenes, they undergo rigorous training to remain rescue-ready. Every year, lifesavers and beach marshals complete a mandatory six-day refresher programme covering advanced swimming, rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, physical fitness and emergency response. On duty, they rely on walkie-talkies, rescue tubes, jet skis, rescue boats, surveillance cameras and medical kits.
"The knowledge that our work saves lives and helps keep Goa's beaches safe gives our personnel a strong sense of purpose and motivation, even during long and challenging shifts," Shashikant says.
When Warnings Go Unheeded
Working for hours under the hot sun is exhausting, but staying alert is essential. A brief lapse in concentration can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Their shift ends only after sunset, once the beach has been cleared and updates handed over to supervisors.
Despite constant warnings, many visitors continue to ignore safety instructions. According to Shashikant, the most common mistake is underestimating the strength of rip currents.
"They ignore warnings and swim outside the flagged zones. One should never take the powerful ocean for granted," he says.
A tourist from Hyderabad admitted the presence of lifeguards provides reassurance. "We feel genuinely safe when there is a lifeguard around, as we don't know much about the unpredictable sea," he says.
"But it's also not nice because they often don't allow us to swim deep in the evening, even when the sea appears perfectly calm."
Locals, however, understand the need for strict enforcement. Emilia, who visits the beach daily, says tourists often ignore advice even when the sea is rough. "They just want to enjoy themselves, but not all are experienced swimmers," she says.
Vaibhav Dicholkar, a senior lifeguard at Calangute beach with 16 years of experience, agrees. "These tourists just don't listen to us. They don't understand the treacherous undercurrents as locals do," Vaibhav says.
Many argue they have travelled long distances just to enjoy the beach, making it difficult for lifeguards to persuade them to stay out of unsafe waters. Another recurring challenge is stopping intoxicated tourists from entering the sea.
"Tourists come with glass beer bottles, drink heavily, and then go swimming, which is incredibly dangerous," Vaibhav says.
Broken glass left behind also poses a serious risk to other beachgoers.
Split-Second Rescues That Save Lives
The job often demands split-second decisions that save lives. Rajendra Parab, a senior lifeguard with 17 years of experience, recalls rescuing an unconscious tourist who appeared lifeless in the water.
"We removed the ingested water from his stomach; he had a very faint pulse, and we gave him first aid. He survived," Rajendra says.
Vaibhav remembers another dramatic rescue during New Year's Eve in 2012. "We found a man who was completely frozen after swimming drunk at night. He had spent hours lying on the shore soaked in seawater. We rescued him in time," he recalls.
Shashikant points to rescues beyond Goa's beaches as well. Earlier this year at Dudhsagar waterfall, a three-and-a-half-year-old child slipped from a wet rock into the rushing water. "Our lifesaver responded immediately with a rescue tube and brought the child out safely," he says.
He also recalls rescuing a 36-year-old tourist from Pune who jumped into deep water at Dudhsagar without wearing a life jacket. "Our team intervened immediately and rescued him before the situation worsened."
Such incidents underline how quickly emergencies unfold and how crucial a rapid response can be.
Follow the Rules
On Lifeguard Appreciation Day, Shashikant says the greatest recognition the public can give is by following safety rules. "The best way to appreciate our efforts is to follow instructions, swim only in designated safe zones, respect the beach flags and avoid entering the sea during unsafe conditions," he says.
Every precaution visitors take not only protects their own lives but also helps lifeguards keep Goa's beaches safe for everyone.
