Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Calangute Beach in Goa witnessed the highest number of rescues across all seashores in the state by lifeguards in the last year, the data compiled by a government-appointed lifesaving agency has revealed.
The agency, Drishti Marine, has released data on the rescue operations conducted by its staff between January 2022 and February 2023 off the Goa coast.
As per the data, 167 rescue operations were conducted off Calangute beach – the highest in the state during the period – followed by Baga with 113 rescues, Arambol with 43, followed by Morjim (29) and Vagator (24) in North Goa.
Palolem topped the list with the most rescues in South Goa, with 25 such incidents during the same period. It was followed by Colva with 18 rescue operations, Benaulim with six, while Agonda and Cavelossim reported five such incidents each.
Alcohol consumption and the act of venturing into the sea beyond the demarcated safe zone in utter disregard to the lifesavers’ instructions led to the incidents. Selfies taken near rocky areas is also a major reason for such accidents, the agency said. Two rescue operations were conducted at Querim Beach, one in Dona Paula, while Bambolim, Siridao and Vainguinim beaches did not report any such incident in North Goa.
In South Goa, Cola Beach reported three rescue operations, while Betalbatim, Varca, and Cabo De Rama reported two rescues each.
At the Dudhsagar waterfall, which witnesses heavy tourist footfall, 55 rescue operations were conducted by the agency over the course of the year.
