Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Eight individuals were rescued from drowning across various beaches in Goa over the weekend, including two kayakers from Karnataka, as Drishti Marine lifesavers carried out a series of quick and coordinated rescue operations. Additionally, lifesavers provided first aid in two separate incidents and reunited three missing children with their families.
The most dramatic rescue unfolded off Palolem beach, where two kayakers from Karwar and Bengaluru capsized while paddling in open waters. Drishti lifesaver Parashuram Tari responded immediately, using a jet ski to bring the duo safely ashore.
At Anjuna beach, two 21-year-old male tourists from Chandigarh, who were non-swimmers, waded about 25 metres into the sea and panicked. Lifesaver Siddesh Chodankar rescued both men using a rescue board.
Meanwhile, at Mandrem beach, two Russian women aged 60 and 62 were caught in a rip current. Lifesavers Suresh, Ana, and Vikram Talkar launched a coordinated effort using a rescue tube, board, and jet ski to bring them back to safety.
At Agonda beach, two Israeli children, aged 5 and 8, were separated from their mother after being hit by a wave. Lifesaver Dinesh Velip swam out 30 metres with a rescue tube and brought both children safely to shore. In another incident at the same beach, a 21-year-old man from Palolem suffered severe leg cramps while swimming. He was rescued using a spine board and handed over to medical personnel.
Child safety remained a concern over the weekend, with three children going missing at different beaches. At Baga beach, a five-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh wandered off while his parents were shopping. Lifesaver Oscar located the child nearby and safely reunited him with his family after verification. Another child missing at Baina beach was traced and returned to his mother by lifesaver Sarabjeet.
On Calangute beach, a 17-year-old youth from Delhi lost his balance while playing in the water and injured his leg. Lifesavers Vinod and Chandangiri brought him ashore using a spine board and administered first aid. A leg fracture is suspected.
Drishti Marine urged beachgoers to remain vigilant, follow safety advisories, and swim only in demarcated areas under the watch of trained lifesavers.
