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PANAJI: With the festive season around the corner which will witness peak tourist arrivals into the state, Drishti Marine’s lifesaving force has geared up and ramped up plans ahead of the busy weeks. Said Navin Awasthi, Operations Head, Drishti Marine, “We anticipate the next few days to be extremely busy across the coast especially on the beach stretches which witness high footfalls. Accordingly, anticipating the need, we have initiated deployment of additional lifesavers across beaches, especially at the popular beaches on the Sinquerim – Baga stretch, Vagator, Morjim, Colva – Benaulim stretch, and Palolem. ”
Drishti has increased its lifesaver deployment to 18 – 22 lifesavers on an average at the busy beach stretches of Baga, Miramar, Calangute and Candolim in north Goa and Colva, Benaulim and Palolem in south Goa.
Additionally, the jeep patrolling fleet has been enhanced with additional vehicles which assist with rescues and patrolling along the beach stretch.
Jet Skis are stationed at all key beaches. Additional allotment of jet skis has been done to the beaches which witness a high number of tourist visits. Every tower and jeep has a high-powered 2-way radio set installed to enable a strong communications capability. Lifesavers manning these jet skis coordinate with each other at various locations during search and rescue operations.
At all 35 towers, the lifesavers are equipped with first aid kits, spine boards, surfboards, rescue boards, rescue tubes, handheld radio sets, bag valve masks to assist in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (A.E.D.) machines.
Lifesavers are posted at the below-mentioned beaches and water bodies:
Beaches in North Goa (16): Querim, Arambol, Ashwem and Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga-1, Baga-2, Calangute, Candolim-1, Candolim-2, Sinquerim, Miramar, Vaiguinim –Donapaula, Siridao /Bambolim and Sweet Water Lake.
Beaches in South Goa (22): Baina, Bogmollo, Velsao, Hollant, Arrosim, Majorda, Utorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Taj – Benaulim, Varca, Zalor, Cavellosim, Mobor, Agonda, Pallolem, Patnem, Rajbagh, Talpona, Galgibag and Pollem.
Waterfall and Lake (02): Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Mayem Lake.
Total: North beaches (16) + South beaches (22) + Waterfall and Lake (02) = 40
Drishti lifesavers operate from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (until sunset). Post sunset from 6:00 pm to 12 midnight the beaches are patrolled by the Beach Safety Patrol (BSP).
#ListenToYourLifeguard: Safety tips from Drishti, Goa’s lifesaver agency:
Those visiting the beach should keep a minimum 10 meters away from the waterline and listen to the instructions given by the lifeguards.
Keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and do not allow children to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow it may be.
Stay alert as lifeguards while patrolling make announcements to alarm and educate people via the Public Address System put up on the jeeps.
It is not suitable to head out to the beach or venture into the water during rough weather.
Do not get onto the rocks during low tide because the rocks can be slippery.
Be wary of broken pieces of glass on the beaches which can cause injuries.
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.
Wear a mask and maintain social distancing at all times