Drishti Marine Lifesavers ensure safe sea outing for NAB’s visually impaired students off Hawaii beach

Goa Khabar : The sound of crashing waves, the feel of cool seawater and the joy of floating in the sea became cherished firsts for 16 visually impaired students from the National Association for the Blind (NAB) during a special beach experience curated by Drishti Marine for students of the Association’s Goa branch.

Held at the picturesque Hawaii Beach in Dona Paula, the initiative aimed to highlight the power of inclusive recreation and how safety, empathy and thoughtful planning can create unforgettable memories for children with visual impairment and enhance their ability to explore. 

A specially demarcated 30 x 50 metre swim zone allowed the children to safely enjoy body floating and boating.

After his day out on the beach, eleven-year-old Gauresh Gawde recalled his experience: “I didn’t know how to swim before, but now I know. I liked floating and playing with the small boats.”

As part of the inclusive initiative organised by Drishti Marine, a Goa government-appointed beach safety agency, the young visually impaired students experienced swimming in the sea, boating and racing among each other.

Misfaar Bagwan, also 11, added: “My favourite part was the rescue board. I loved playing in the sand with my friends.”

Teachers accompanying the students observed a clear transformation in the children’s confidence and energy. “Our students are really connected with the environment. It built their confidence and gave them a new sense of joy,” said Resha Vernekar, music and computer teacher at NAB Goa. 

Joe Noronha, President of NAB Goa, was also thrilled at the wards of his Association having a fun outdoor sea and beach outing. “It’s the first time so many students have entered the sea. They have thoroughly enjoyed the water and surf-boating experience,” he said. 

Drishti Marine deployed a full team of trained lifesavers and rescue equipment to ensure the children felt secure while exploring the sea. “We wanted the children to have fun but also be safe. We had rescue boards, a jet ski and a rigid inflatable boat. All the children wore life jackets and 8–10 qualified lifesavers were inside the demarcated swim zone, with them, throughout,” added Ananyaa Bath, a 29-year-old Drishti Marine lifesaver.

Commander Arun Patil, Director at Drishti Marine Foundation, a sister concern of the lifesaving agency, said: “We wanted to offer the children a joyful and memorable experience with absolute safety.”

The event marked Drishti Marine’s third curated experience in association with the NAB, following previous scuba diving and river cruise outings enjoyed by visually impaired students. The lifesaving agency now plans to extend similar inclusive events to senior citizens and underserved groups across Goa.