Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: With the monsoon bringing rough seas and heightened risks along Goa’s coastline, Drishti Marine has launched its annual refresher and revalidation training programme for more than 480 lifesavers and around 70 beach marshals deployed across 54 beaches and four inland waterbodies in the state. The initiative is aimed at strengthening rescue preparedness and emergency response without disrupting daily beach safety operations.
Conducted from mid-June to mid-August in batches at Morjim, Sinquerim, Majorda and Rajbagh, the mandatory programme combines practical drills with classroom sessions covering first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescue techniques, swimming proficiency, physical fitness and medical response. Participants are also receiving expert training on marine animal strandings, mental resilience and other operational aspects of professional lifesaving.
A key focus of this year’s programme is preparing lifesavers for challenging monsoon conditions. Personnel are undergoing practical exercises in identifying rip currents, carrying out rescues in turbulent waters and operating rescue surfboards and rescue tubes in high surf, equipping them to respond swiftly during emergencies.
Ahead of the refresher programme, Drishti Marine also conducted a six-day Training of Trainers (TOT) course for its SRTA instructors, while experienced operational personnel are assisting with practical sessions by sharing field expertise.
The organisation is simultaneously conducting specialised revalidation courses for jet ski operators, Rescue Inflatable Boat (RIB) operators and rescue vehicle maintenance personnel to ensure specialised rescue equipment and teams remain deployment-ready throughout the year. Training is being held in staggered batches to ensure adequate manpower remains available on Goa’s beaches at all times.
Colonel Austin Collaco, General Manager (Operations), Drishti Marine, said the annual revalidation programme is crucial to maintaining high standards of operational readiness and ensuring every lifesaver and beach marshal remains prepared to respond confidently and professionally to emergencies, particularly during the demanding monsoon season.
