Goa’s monsoons are underway and the state has seen some heavy rainfall in the last two weeks. This still hasn’t stopped tourists from flocking to the state in large numbers. However, lack of understanding on their part has led to some tragic occurrences of drowning in the last week alone. This is no surprise given how unsafe the beaches become when the monsoons are on. Despite monsoon advisory from Drishti Marine, 3 different drowning incidents have taken place leaving a lot of people dead. Now, Drishti now plans to post ‘No-Selfie’ Signs at 24 unsafe Selfie Points across the state.
Unsafe conditions thanks to the monsoons has led to multiple deaths
It is unfortunate to hear of such incidents. Tourists want to go to the beach and close by areas but they fail to comprehend how dangerous it is. Lifeguards are stationed at most of Goa’s beaches but sometimes, it becomes impossible to contain the crowd. Tourists coming from hinterland regions of the country either do not know anything or refuse to listen to the lifeguards. This is when tragedy strikes.
In light of all these upsetting occurrences, Drishti, along with its lifeguards, has identified a number of unsafe zones at 24 different locations in the state. In an effort to reduce the number of accidents and falls from slippery and rocky areas along the coastline, they will post ‘No Selfie’ signs at these unsafe Selfie Points.
The areas have been identified as the Baga River, Dona Paula Jetty, Sinquerim Fort, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol, Kerim and between Bambolim and Siridao; and in South Goa, the signs will be placed at Agonda, Bogmalo, Hollant, Baina, Japanese Garden, Betul, Canaguinim, Palolem, Khola, Cabo De Rama, Polem, Galgibagh, Talpona, and Rajbagh.
Ravi Shankar, CEO, Drishti Marine said, “Further, existing signage boards are being upgraded with pictorial instructions on flags, an emergency toll-free number, and dos and don’ts while visiting the beaches of Goa.”
The monsoon advisory
Just before the monsoons began, Drishti had issued a warning to the public. The advisory/warning requested the public not to venture into the sea between the months of June and September. The monsoons last for the duration of these four months and the sea is extremely unsafe. Swimming and other water-based activities are completely off-limits. Red flags have been put up on all beaches marking them as no-swim zones. Even the lifeguards are closely monitoring the weather conditions daily between 07:30 am and 6 pm. Additionally, two Drishti lifeguards are available at every lifeguard tower to handle any emergency which may crop up until 8.00 pm. Post sunset from 6:00 pm to 12 midnight, the beaches are monitored and patrolled by the Beach Safety Patrol (BSP).
Also, read: Drishti Issues Advisory for the Monsoon Months of June to September
14 people went into the sea, 5 were dragged away by the current
More tourists lose their lives to Goa’s rough seas over the weekend
Swimming on Goa’s beaches after dark will soon be a punishable offense
Information credit – Drishti Marine
ItsGoa/JUNE/KDGP
