Drishti Marine’s newly deployed Seahorse temporary floating platforms are already contributing to lifesaving efforts along Goa’s coastline, with multiple rescues recorded at beaches where the innovative offshore stations are now positioned, reinforcing their role as an added layer of vigilance during one of the state’s busiest tourist seasons; stated a press release.
In December 2025, the month when the Seahorse platforms were introduced, a total of 11 rescues were recorded at the four beaches where the units are stationed, including seven at Calangute, three at Candolim and one at Miramar. In January 2026 so far, rescues at these beaches have risen to 23, led by Miramar with 13 rescues, followed by Calangute with seven and Candolim with three. No rescues were reported at Baina during either month.
The floating Seahorses were deployed at Calangute, Candolim and Miramar in North Goa and Baina in South Goa, in addition to existing infrastructure including beach towers and shore-based patrols. Their placement offshore allows lifesavers to monitor swimmers and beachgoers from vantage points at sea, particularly in high-density tourist zones where visibility from land can be limited.
Recently the Seahorse temporary floating platform assisted with the rescue of 13 students from NIO off Miramar beach.
“In many situations, every second matters. With the Seahorse platforms, our teams are positioned closer to the risk zone, which significantly cuts reaction time. What earlier took three to five minutes to respond to can now be addressed in under a minute, and that difference can mean a life saved,” said Austin Collaco, Drishti Marine’s general manager in-charge of operations.
Lifesavers can now be dispatched to deal with water-based emergencies in under five seconds, according to Collaco.
“Within about five seconds of receiving the rescue alert, the jet ski is on its way. It can cover a distance of 100 metres in roughly two to four seconds, depending on water conditions. That is how quickly a lifesaver can reach the victim,” he said.
Each Seahorse unit accommodates four to six lifesavers and is equipped with a jet ski ramp, rescue boards, surfboards and rescue tubes. A jet ski stationed on the platform enables immediate water entry, while the elevated position provides a wider field of view of nearshore swimming areas.
The deployment comes against the backdrop of increasing sand erosion along several beaches, which has made some conventional lifesaver towers unstable or difficult to reposition. The Seahorse platforms, conceptualised as temporary floating platforms, can be anchored to the seabed and positioned approximately 20 to 30 metres from shore, depending on depth and tidal conditions.
From the four temporary floating platforms which were deployed, presently two are present at Miramar beach and Baina respectively.
More than 450 Drishti Marine lifesavers currently keep vigil across 24 beaches in North Goa and 30 beaches in South Goa, in addition to inland locations such as the Dudhsagar waterfalls and Mayem lake.
