Drishti Marine lifesaver Ananyaa Bath featured on BBC World Service Radio

Panaji, April 2024: A testament to her trailblazing journey as a woman lifesaver, Ananyaa Bath of Drishti Marine, Goa’s state government-appointed professional lifeguard agency, recently featured on the BBC World Service Radio series ‘The Conversation’. 

During the episode titled ‘Women saving lives at sea’ hosted by presenter Ella Al-Shamahi, Vivienne Grey, a female lifeguard in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in Wales, UK, and Ananyaa spoke about their experiences as women lifeguards. 

The podcast episode highlighted the inspirational journey of Ananyaa, who is also a senior instructor at Drishti Marine’s Special Rescue Training Academy (SRTA), as she navigates this unorthodox calling and her contribution to paving the way for more women to take up lifesaving as a profession. 

“It was fate that led me to become a lifesaver at Drishti Marine, and once I joined, I never looked back. There is nothing better than the euphoria you feel when you help someone, be it a rescue or administering first-aid. The support I received from my fellow lifesavers has been invaluable, and I want more women to join our ranks,” said Ananyaa.

According to Navin Awasthi, chief executive officer, Drishti Marine, Ananyaa’s appearance on an international platform like BBC World Service Radio is a matter of great pride to Drishti Marine and Goa.

“We are extremely proud of Ananyaa for getting featured on BBC World Service Radio and the heights her hard work and dedication have taken her. We hope many girls and women get inspired by her remarkable journey as a lifesaver and training instructor and take the career paths less travelled, such as lifesaving”, said Awasthi.

Link to the podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct5wz8 

Two sustain cuts from glass bottles at Baga beach over long weekend

Panaji, April 2024: Two persons, one of them a male tourist, were treated for injuries in two separate incidents at the popular Baga beach by Drishti Marine lifesavers, caused by cuts sustained from glass bottles over the long weekend.  

At Baga beach, a 41-year-old man from Mapusa was injured during a scuffle with a tourist. Drishti Marine lifesavers administered first-aid to the injured person at the lifeguard tower on the beach, before he was transferred to the care of medical personnel. The police were notified of the incident.

In another incident at Baga beach, a 36-year-old man from Karnataka was accidentally hit on the head with a glass bottle thrown by another group of tourists swimming nearby, sustaining a cut to his head. Drishti Marine lifesavers administered first-aid and informed the police about the incident. 

A woman from Nashik suffered a minor cut to her leg after stepping on a sharp object while wading into the water off Baga beach. Lifesavers provided first-aid and she was subsequently sent to the hospital for further treatment.

A 26-year-old woman from Bardez fell in the water and injured her back at Morjim beach. With a suspected spinal injury, she was rescued by patrolling lifesavers Dattaram Chavan, captain Ketan Nagavekar, supervisor Ragvendra Kaskar, jeep driver Sahadev Narvekar and patrolman Sachin Aarondekar and handed over to the medical personnel. 

Two missing children were reunited with their parents and a missing adult was reunited with his friends, during the extended weekend. At Calangute beach, a five-year-old girl from Maharashtra was reported missing, before she was located by a Drishti Marine lifesaver. Her parents were subsequently traced and she was handed over to them after formal identification. 

Similarly, a boy from Ponda, separated from his family at Colva beach, was handed over to lifesavers by a concerned beach visitor. The child was later reunited with his parents, who were located by the police after an extensive search at the beach, which was conducted with the help of a Drishti Marine jeep.  

A 22-year-old man from Punjab was reported missing to a nearby lifesaver by his two friends, who embarked on a search for him to no avail. However, the man who was reported missing later appeared at the lifeguard tower himself, this time to report his friends missing. The trio was subsequently reunited. 

There was a single rescue reported during the weekend at Hollant beach in South Goa. A 22-year-old man from Bengaluru entered deep waters and was unable to swim ashore. He was brought to shore by lifesaver Hanumanta Harijan, who rushed into the water with a surfboard upon hearing his calls for help.

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Union Health Ministry, WHO officials laud Drishti Marine’s Innovative, Prompt Beach Rescue Efforts

~ Drishti Marine demonstrated innovative rescue responses to WHO and Ministry delegates.

~ For faster treatment, establish integrated burn and trauma facilities closer to residential areas, suggests WHO's Dr Yutaro Setoya.

Panaji, February 2024- Goa’s Drishti Marine showcased its innovative beach safety initiatives and use of technology in lifesaving processes, as part of the ‘Strengthening National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries: Way Forward’ organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) held in North Goa. 

The programme focused on management practices for trauma and burn injuries in India and was held at Candolim, on February 26 and 27. 

Drishti Marine’s Chief Executive Officer, Navin Awasthi, gave a detailed presentation about the organisation’s operations across 38 beaches in Goa, following which the delegates visited Sinquerim beach for a demonstration of the organisation’s efficacy in responding to emergencies and preventing and treating injuries. The visiting delegates also witnessed a live demonstration of the lifesavers’ prowess at rescuing individuals in the water with the help of critical lifesaving equipment, including a rescue tube, a rescue board and a jet ski.

“The live demonstration of Drishti Marine’s rescue initiatives like the artificial intelligence (AI) bots AURUS, a self-driving robot and TRITON, the AI-powered monitoring system, to assist with drowning rescue operations, and the Paw Squad, our team of Lifesaver dogs, were extremely well received by the delegates,” stated Awasthi.

“Interacting with the lifesavers from Drishti Marine and viewing the live demonstration of the three methods employed to rescue a drowning individual was a great experience. Most importantly, the zeal, enthusiasm and prompt response to help others is what I greatly appreciated about the lifesavers,” said Dr Krishan Kumar, CMO (SAG), DGHS, MoHFW, Government of India, one of the key stakeholders at the meet. 

A collaborative effort between MoHFW and WHO, the National Consultation Meeting for Strengthening Trauma and Burn Care, was held as part of the programme aimed to showcase the best practices and discuss the challenges involved in implementing trauma and burn care programmes in different states and union territories in the country. 

“Concerning challenges related to the management of trauma and burn injuries in India, there is a need for a more comprehensive prevention network. India boasts excellent but few facilities, hence, there need to be more facilities nearer to residential spaces that are integrated with the health system to provide support at the primary levels,” said Dr Yutaro Setoya, team lead, non-communicable diseases (NCD), WHO India.

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Goa's Drishti Marine Appointed Member of International Lifesaving Federation

~ Drishti Marine joins ranks with US-based American Red Cross, Surf Life Saving, Australia among others, as part of the global lifesavers’ community.

~ International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) is a body with over 130 international lifesaving organisations and federations as members

Panaji, March 2024: Drishti Marine, Goa government-appointed lifesaving agency, was recently appointed a member of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) organisation, a global certification agency, with more than 130 international lifesaving organisations and federations as its members. 

Among the members of the ILS are the UK’s Royal Life Saving Society, US-based American Red Cross and Surf Life Saving Australia and several renowned global organisations. ILS works towards improving water safety, drowning prevention, water rescue, lifesaving and lifeguarding and lifesaving sport. 

Karin Obus, ILS Executive Director, has welcomed Marine Drishti and Coastal Foundation, as the latest member of the ILS. The Belgium-headquartered body, Obus said, leads the global effort to reduce injury and death in, on, or around the water. 

“Drishti Marine has been at the forefront of saving over 7,000 lives in Goa since 2008. It also has operations in Mumbai. The intervention and rescue operations conducted by our trained personnel, has significantly improved the quality of the tourist experience in the coastal state. We are proud to receive this acceptance in the ILS,” said Navin Awathi, CEO at Drishti Marine.
Appointed by the Government of Goa, Drishti Marine, oversees lifesaving services across 40 beach stretches in Goa with a 450-strong force. Their lifesavers also patrol Dudhsagar waterfalls and Mayem lake as part of their mandate. In Mumbai, a 100-member team monitors six beaches, collaborating closely with Maharashtra Fire Services and Municipal Corporation. 

Drishti Marine has pioneered AI integration for beach safety and plans to deploy a ‘Paw Squad’ of trained dogs for rescues. Operational since 2008, the presence of Drishti Marine lifesavers in Goa has resulted in a 99 percent reduction in drowning deaths, despite a surge in tourist arrivals.

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Goan School Children ‘Learn To Float’ with Drishti Marine’s Lifesaving Initiative

Panaji, April 2024: Taking inspiration from  Australia’s ‘Float to Survive’ initiative, Drishti Marine, a state-appointed lifesaving agency in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has rolled out the free-of-cost ‘Learn to Float’ programme to teach children in Goa how to survive in any water body by simply floating. 

Learning how to float without a floatation device or aid is a vital life skill, as according to experts, one of the top ten leading causes of death across the world among people aged one to 24 years, is drowning. This programme ensures that if they face difficulties in any water body and cannot swim to safety, they can survive by floating until a lifeguard arrives to rescue them.

Marine Drishti and Coastal Foundation has conducted this programme free of cost along with Drishti Lifesaving and Special Rescue Training Academy as delivery partners. 

“The main aim of the ‘Learn to Float’ programme is to teach students, especially those in primary school, the art of floating as a self-preservation tactic. We are currently conducting sessions with The Rosary High School, Cujira, whose students we are training in two batches daily, for six days at the SAG Swimming Pool at Campal, Panaji,” stated Colonel Austin Collaco, general manager of operations and Training, Drishti Marine, who aims to train 500-plus students across Goa in the coming five to six months.

Navin Awasthi, CEO, Drishti Marine, stated that the Learn to Float programme “aims to not only save lives, but prevent the loss of life. Marine Drishti and Coastal Foundation has conducted this programme free of cost along with Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd and Special Rescue Training Academy as delivery partners. We are grateful for the support given by the Government of Goa and the Sports Authority of Goa in the form of the necessary infrastructure to conduct the initiative. Drishti Marine also aims to rope in other schools to participate in this initiative. We will also conduct training sessions in swimming pools in housing societies,” said Awasthi.

Debanshu Das, Chief Training Officer, Drishti Marine, in charge of training the students with another seven instructors, gave an insight into the programming.

“Each session consists of a warm-up before entering the pool, where they are trained to float on their backs and stomachs using floatation devices like kickboards and pool noodles. On the programme’s final day, a test will be held, where each student must float for three minutes without a floatation aid, which is the main aim of the programme,” said Das.

The initiative also serves to teach students life skills that go beyond preventing themselves from drowning, as outlined by Swetika Sachan (IAS) Secretary, Sports and Industries, Goa. 

“The ‘Learn to Float’ initiative spearheaded by Drishti Marine is a significant step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of students and the community at large in Goa. This initiative is not only aimed at reducing the incidents of drowning by educating individuals on essential water safety techniques but also at fostering a sense of respect and understanding towards the sea and its environment. As a state renowned for its beautiful beaches and water bodies, the initiative targets students to instil these crucial skills and awareness from a young age, thereby contributing to a safer and more informed community that can enjoy Goa's natural water resources responsibly,” stated Sachan, adding that “These skills include developing a sense of responsibility, enhancing decision-making skills by assessing risks associated with water activities, and fostering a respectful interaction with the natural environment.”

These include developing a sense of responsibility, enhancing decision-making skills by assessing risks associated with water activities, and fostering a respectful interaction with the natural environment,” said Sachan.

Alice Goes, Headmistress, The Rosary High School, Cujira, commends the initiative by Drishti Marine, stating that “the ‘Learn to Float’ initiative is the need of the hour and the students are learning an important survival tactic while having fun”.

Heramb Prabhugaonkar, a physical education teacher at The Rosary High School, Cujira, accompanying the students to the pool, stated that “learning to float is one of the most important survival skills, and the 70-plus students participating in the initiative will learn to be responsible for themselves and others”. 

Jolyne Vaz and Kim D’Souza, students from Grade 8, The Rosary High School, Cujira, are excited to learn the importance of floating, with Vaz stating that “as I am unable to swim, learning to float is extremely important,” and D’Souza adding that the initiative will make her summer a memorable experience as “‘Learn to Float’ will help me aid other people in case of emergency”.

Parents, too, are extremely supportive of the programme. Kavita Naik, whose child is participating in the initiative, stated, “The ‘Learn to Float’ programme will help our children to survive if they enter any water body by teaching them to float until they are rescued”.

How To Stay Safe at the Beach this Summer; Drishti Marine issues advisory

With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting soaring temperatures this summer, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency, has issued a summer advisory suggesting simple ways to stay safe while at the beach on a hot, sunny day.

In light of the prediction which hints at temperatures ranging from 33 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius for the next seven days across the state, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority also recently issued a public notice titled ‘Preventive Measures on Heatwave’ that outlines precautions one should adhere to during this extreme weather period.

The advisories by Drishti Marine and the state authorities come at a time when tourists, primarily domestic travellers, have been heading to Goa, with families in tow, for their annual summer break. 

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. 

According to Navin Awasthi, chief executive officer at Drishti Marine, “The scorching heat can cause skin rashes, sunburns and heat strokes. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day and try to avoid being in direct sunlight between noon and 3 pm when the rays are the harshest.”

“There are 35 lifesaver towers spread across Goa. In case of any injury, it is best for the beachgoers to approach a lifesaver for help, as each lifesaver tower is equipped with a first-aid kit,” Awasthi adds. 

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.

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.

Russian couple, among 13 rescued by lifesavers off Goa beaches, Dudhsagar waterfall over the weekend

Panaji, April 2024: A Russian couple was rescued off Vagator beach, while eight domestic tourists were among 11 others, who were rescued along the coastline and at the Dudhsagar waterfall over the weekend. First aid was also rendered to four persons, while a lost child was reunited with her family during the same period.

At Vagator beach, a couple from Russia and another individual waded into the water and began drifting. While the individual managed to swim to safety, the couple, a 47-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, were rescued by Drishti Marine lifesaver Bhagvan Parab with a rescue board.  

The weekend also saw four Mumbai residents rescued by watchful lifesavers from drowning at Anjuna and Palolem beaches. In a triple rescue at Anjuna beach, two men aged 26 years and a woman aged 23 years from Mumbai were snagged by a rip current and pulled out with the help of rescue tubes by lifesavers Rahul Shirodkar and Sahish Shirodkar. 

Another Mumbai resident, a woman aged 24 years, was rescued at Palolem beach when her kayak overturned 250 metres into the water. A patrolling lifesaver, Parshuram Tari, immediately heard her calls for help and rushed to her rescue on a jet ski, bringing her safely to shore.

At Ashwem beach, a 28-year-old Pune resident who started to drown along with a friend was rescued by lifesavers Rajesh Dhuri and Dhaku Talkar with a rescue tube. The man’s friend managed to save himself in the meantime. 

An outing of a group of friends at Candolim beach went awry, when one of them, a 32-year-old man from Punjab, was caught in a rip current. Vigilant lifesaver Yashwant Gaonkar secured the victim with a rescue board.

Similarly, a 23-year-old Karnataka resident, while swimming with his companions at Calangute beach, ventured into deeper waters and began drowning. The victim was rescued by lifesaver Ashwin Ghag, who rushed into the water with a surfboard and brought him safely to shore.

At Dudhsagar, a 28-year-old man from Gujarat fell into the water from a rocky area and panicked as he was unable to swim. Lifesaver Babu Gavli rescued the victim with a rescue tube.

Three Goans were also rescued by lifesavers. At Vagator beach, a 10-year-old boy was rescued from a rocky portion of the beach by beach safety patrol officer Girish Gaonkar. 

At Calangute beach, two 23-year-old Candolim residents entered deep waters after a game of football on the shore and began drowning. A patrolling lifesaver, Sunil Matonkar, saved them both with a rescue tube. 

Drishti Marine lifesavers also administered first-aid to four individuals over the weekend. At Mandrem beach, a 25-year-old man from Hubli received first-aid after encountering breathing difficulties due to excessive drinking; he was later shifted to the hospital via ambulance. At Baga beach, a 45-year-old woman from Telangana received first-aid from a lifesaver after getting injured in a boat collision; she was later taken to the hospital for further treatment. 

A man from Manipur was administered first-aid for a small cut on his right foot at Baga beach, while at Morjim beach, first-aid was administered to a Goan resident for a twisted ankle. Unable to walk, the man was transported to his private vehicle via the Drishti Marine jeep and advised to seek further medical help after refusing an ambulance.

At Calangute beach, a six-year-old girl from Haryana was reunited with her parents after being handed over to the on-duty lifesavers at the tower by another tourist. The parents were soon traced and the child was handed over after their identification.

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Six rescues along Goa coastline over long Easter weekend

Panaji, April 2024: Six persons were rescued off Goa’s beaches over the extended Easter weekend. Drishti Marine lifesavers also prevented a person from taking his own life, reunited a lost child with their parents and administered first aid to two injured persons.

At Agonda, a 32-year-old resident of Mumbai was rescued by lifesaver Satyawan Velip after nearly drowning in a rip current along a rocky section off the beach. The victim was secured with a rescue tube as a lifesaver operating a jet ski reached the spot and brought him safely to shore.

A 47-year-old woman from Kolkata was rescued off Benaulim beach by lifesaver Guitesh Gaonkar,

who noticed the victim was caught in a flash rip current and was struggling to resurface. The victim was rescued with a rescue tube.

A 32-year-old man, a resident of Mysore, was prevented from taking his life at Colva beach after he communicated his intention to the patrolling supervisor, Shankar Paryekar. The lifesaver soothed the victim, guided him to the nearby tower and offered him water. Paryekar proceeded to inform the police team and waited with the victim until their arrival.

At Palolem beach, a 24-year-old resident of Hyderabad kayaking nearly 700 metres off the coastline was at risk of drowning after a leak in his kayak. A vigilant jet ski operator was alerted and rushed to the victim’s rescue, getting him safely to shore.

In a similar incident, reported at Cola River, two men from Bengaluru, both aged 32, were at risk of drowning after their kayak overturned in the water. An alert lifesaver, Mahesh Velip, rushed into the water with the help of the surfboard and rescued them.

At Baina beach, a 19-year-old man from Bengaluru was administered first-aid for a deep cut sustained from broken glass on his left foot while swimming. Similarly, at Arambol beach, a man from Kerala who dislocated his left arm was also administered first-aid. Both victims stated that they wanted to depart in their private vehicles and were consequently handed over to their acquaintances.

A three-year-old at Colva beach was reunited with his parents, residents of Margao, who were occupied swimming. The distressed child was noticed wandering along the beach by a lifesaver, who promptly made announcements from the jeep. Once the parents were located and their identities confirmed, the child was handed over. 

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Russian and Nepal nationals rescued off Goa’s beaches over the weekend

Panaji, March 2024: Russian and Nepal nationals were among the several persons rescued from drowning off Goa’s beaches by lifesavers over the extended Holi weekend, which saw holidayers throng to the state’s coastline.

A 50-year-old Russian man was rescued at Ashwem beach by Drishti Marine lifesaver, Ganajay Sawant, using a rescue board after he was seen drifting into a rip current. 

At Agonda beach, a 25-year-old man from Nepal was rescued, after struggling to escape from the grips of a rough wave. Lifesavers Praveen Sagekar and Parshuram Pagi used a rescue tube and jet ski to save him.

An 18-year-old man from Bengaluru was also rescued off Calangute beach, after he was caught in a rough current, forcing Drishti Marine lifesavers Leslie Rodrigues, Hari Chopdekar and Sujan Nagvekar to rush into the water to save him, using a rescue tube and a surfboard.

Drishi Marine lifesavers were involved in attending to five first-aid and medical emergencies across Goa’s coastline. At Sinquerim beach, a UK national dislocated her leg while swimming and was administered first-aid by the lifesavers and dropped off to her vehicle after examination. A 62-year-old woman from Delhi fainted while at the same beach and was suffering from breathing issues. A Drishti Marine lifesaver who arrived at the spot, administered her with oxygen and escorted her to the nearest health centre with the help of a Drishti Marine jeep. At Calangute beach, a man from Karnataka who fractured his leg due to a fall, was administered first-aid and handed over to the emergency services for further treatment. 

At Dudhsagar waterfalls, an Iranian man slipped on a rocky surface while walking, injuring his head. He was administered first-aid and placed in a recovery position by lifesavers Niraj Gaonkar and Vithal Masurkar, before being handed over to his family. 

First-aid was administered to a woman from Karnataka, aged 26 years, who experienced a sudden bout of fits. Locally posted lifesavers cleared her breathing airway, before she was taken to the nearest hospital for further treatment. 

Three children aged six, nine and 10 years respectively who had lost contact with their parents were traced with the help of the on-duty Drishti Marine lifesavers posted at Baga beach. 

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10 Persons, among 3 Foreigners Rescued from Drowning in Goa over the Weekend

Panaji, March 2024: Ten persons, including three foreigners, were rescued from drowning off Goa’s coastline and the Dudhsagar waterfall over the weekend, which also saw a triple rescue off Anjuna beach. 

At the Galgibaga river in Canacona, a 39-year-old man from the UK and a 67-year-old woman from the US were drowning in the water, forcing Drishti Marine lifesaver Praveen Sagekar to rescue them with the help of a rescue board.

The triple rescue reported off Anjuna beach, involved three persons from Madhya Pradesh, Nagpur and Gujarat, all young men. The incident occurred after an inexperienced swimmer among them, decided to venture into the deeper sections of the water and found himself drowning. His two companions rushed to help him, but they too struggled to swim. The lifesaver on duty, Krishna Kamble, secured the trio with the help of the rescue board and tube, bringing them ashore safely. 

A 62-year-old Russian man was also rescued off Colva beach. 

At Dudhsagar waterfall, a 28-year-old man from Lakhanpur, Jammu and Kashmir fell into the water while taking photographs. Drishti Marine lifesaver, Irfan Shaikh, rushed into the water with the help of a rescue tube and brought the individual to safety. Off Sinquerim beach, a 28-year-old man from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh struggled to swim in deep water and called for help, following which Mehaboob and Rameshwar brought him to shore.

A couple from Hyderabad, aged 35 and 40 years, waded into a rough rip current and were unable to swim back to shore off Ashwem beach. Drishti Marine lifesavers, Dhaku Talkar and Sahadev Narvekar secured the duo with the help of a jetski and rescue board.

At Palolem beach, a UK national returned to shore after experiencing uneasiness while kayaking. The 62-year-old woman approached the on-duty lifesaver for assistance and was immediately shifted to the nearest health care centre with the help of a Drishti Marine jeep. 

First-aid was administered to a foreigner, aged around 50 years, who was hit in the face by an umbrella that blew in his direction on account of strong wind at Arambol beach. On-duty lifesavers at the beach immediately administered first-aid before shifting him into the care of 108 emergency services personnel. 

At Mobor beach, a 52-year-old Russian woman was administered oxygen when she experienced uneasiness at a nearby shack. She was later transferred to a nearby health facility for further examination.

A 17-year-old was stung by a jellyfish off Calangute beach, which resulted in stomach pain, vomiting and breathing difficulties. He was immediately rushed to the nearby health care centre with the help of a jeep stationed on the beach.

Drishti Marine’s trained personnel were also involved in remediating six other medical emergencies along the coastline that involved lifesavers promptly administering first-aid to individuals experiencing breathing problems and fractured limbs, before transferring them into the care of professional medical workers. 

Drishti Marine lifesavers, Siddhesh Bhosle and Divaker Dessai, were also called into action and managed to curb a theft at Baga beach.