Drishti Marine advisory recommends ways to stay safe

Goa Khabar : Amid the onslaught of summer and the accompanying rising temperature levels, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifesaving agency, has issued a summer advisory suggesting simple tips to stay safe while at the beach on a hot, sunny day.

The advisory by Drishti Marine comes at a time when tourists, primarily domestic travellers, have been heading to Goa, with families in tow, for their annual summer break. Several of Goa’s popular beaches have already been demarcated with swim zones exclusively for the use of families, men and women. Typical outdoor temperature during summer months in Goa ranges from around 35°C (maximum) & 27°C (minimum), respectively. 

Owing to the present sea conditions, it is advisable to swim between the flags marked in red and yellow, as they indicate moderate surf and currents, while strictly avoiding the red flag areas, which indicate non-swim zones. 

A beach umbrella is ideal for shielding yourself from direct heat and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It’s advisable to carry sunscreen to prevent sunburns and heat strokes. While the inviting blue sea offers relief during sweltering summers, beachgoers should be cautious of rip currents, flash currents and underwater currents before taking a dip. Lifesavers stationed along the coast are trained to conduct rescues in rough sea conditions. Drishti Marine’s 450-strong lifesaving force mans Goa’s beaches throughout the year. 

“The intense heat can lead to sunburn, skin irritation, and even heatstroke. It’s important to stay well-hydrated and try to avoid stepping out in direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 pm, when the sun is at its strongest,” said Navin Awasthi, chief executive officer at Drishti Marine. “There are 35 lifesaver towers positioned along Goa’s coastline. If anyone is injured, the safest option is to approach a nearby lifesaver, as each tower is stocked with a first-aid kit,” Awasthi added. 

Each morning, lifesavers map the sea currents, changes in wind patterns and underwater activity in order to identify safe swim zones along every beach and mark them with the red and yellow flags. Unsafe zones that are at risk of underwater and rip currents are marked by red flags, indicating that it is unsafe to swim.

Dristhi Marine is in the process of creating more than 65 demarcated swim zones along Goa’s popular beaches, with 40 already in place across 10 beaches, including the Calangute, Baga, Arambol and Colva stretches.

Dos and Don’ts for the Summer

• Always swim in the safe swim zones, as marked by Drishti Marine lifesavers. While on the beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim between them. Do not venture into the no-swim zones marked with red flags.

• Whenever possible, always swim in proximity to lifesaver towers and lifesavers. There are 22 beaches across South Goa and 17 beaches across the North Goa stretch that are under the watchful eye of the lifesavers. Additionally, Drishti Marine lifesavers are posted at Mayem lake and Dudhsagar waterfalls, too. 

• It is best to visit the beach when the lifesavers are on duty between 7:30 am and 6 pm.

• It is advisable to carry caps, umbrellas, sunscreen and a water bottle to beat dehydration, sunburns and heat-strokes.

• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• If a child goes missing, do not panic. Alert a lifesaver immediately.

• If you encounter a rip current while swimming, it is safest to stay afloat and alert the lifesaver on duty. Lifesavers are constantly monitoring the beach and are trained to identify swimmers in distress.

• Never swim alone. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.

• Always read and obey the safety signs usually found at the main entrance of the beach.

• Do not attempt to rescue if you see anyone in difficulty, if you are not a trained lifesaver. Instead, contact the nearest lifesaver or approach the lifesaving tower for assistance.

• Those visiting the beach should keep a minimum of 10 meters away from the waterline and listen to the instructions given by the lifesavers. 

• 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 lifesavers while patrolling, make announcements to alarm and educate people via the Public Address System put up on the jeeps. 

• 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.