Beaches in Goa will be closed for swimming, with the onset of monsoons in the coming days, according to a senior official of Drishti Marine, a private agency appointed by the Goa government for carrying out rescue and relief operations on the state’s beaches and other water bodies.
Drishti Marine’s 400-strong force of life-savers patrols Goa’s beaches all year. On account of the monsoons and weather conditions which are expected to see heavy rain and high waves, red flags have been posted across all beaches under Drishti Marine’s supervision, which debar beachgoers from wading into the sea.
“Due to the weather change and the onset of the monsoon showers, beaches will henceforth be closed for swimming,” said Navin Awasthi, chief executive officer (CEO) Drishti Marine. Water sports activity has also been suspended on Goa’s beaches, he also said.
“We have placed red flags at all beaches to indicate that the area is not suitable for swimming. Even wading into the water is not advised. Our team of lifesavers stationed along the coast is keeping an eye on the weather patterns and how they influence the seas. The team has been trained to perform rescues even in bad weather,” Awasthi said.
According to meteorology reports, cyclonic weather conditions in the Arabian Sea have already resulted in rough seas. The arrival of the monsoons in Goa has also led to the implementation of the ban by the state government on fishing in the seas from June 1 to July 31.
Drishti Marine advises visitors to avoid rocky areas, cliffs and hills along the shoreline. During the monsoon season, these stretches are considered perilous due to their slippery nature. The wave height, intensity and frequencies of the waves in the sea too are extremely high, making it easy for beachgoers to get pulled into the ferocious sea. Drishti Marine monitors sea conditions and weather conditions on a daily basis, stated a press release.
ListenToYourLifesaver: Safety tips for the monsoons by Drishti Marine, Goa’s lifesaver agency:
•No venturing onto the beach. Even wading into the waters is not advisable.
•Those visiting the beach should keep a minimum 10 metres away from the waterline and listen to instructions given by lifesavers.
•Keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and do not allow them to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow it may be .
•Stay alert as patrolling lifesavers make regular announcements to alarm and educate people via the Public Address System installed on their jeeps.
•It is not suitable to head out to the beach or venture into the water during lightning and thunder, because lightning can pose danger.
•Do not climb onto the rocks during low tide because the rocks tend to get a lot more slippery and mossy during the monsoon season.
•It is not advisable to swim or to engage in any water sports activities at the beach during the monsoons from June to September, because even though the sea may seem calm, a sudden large wave can sneak up on you and pull you into deep waters without warning.
•If under the influence of alcohol, make sure you do not venture into the water.
•Always read and obey the safety signs found at the main entrance of the beach.
