Youth volunteers to aid lifeguards on high-density beaches in Goa

Panaji, June 2023: Enthusiastic youngsters have now been roped in by Goa’s state appointed lifeguard agency, Drishti Marine, to assist its lifesavers on the beaches with regards to crowd control and first aid, as part of its newly implemented local volunteer program. 

The volunteer programme, which involves members of the local community in beach safety efforts, is designed for youngsters, mostly college students between the ages of 18 and 23 years. To avoid conflict with the students' college schedules, the volunteer program will be held on weekends spread over two to five hours of service. 

So far 10 youngsters, seven women and three men, have been selected for the programme. 

“The age group was selected because they are full of energy and enthusiasm that may be directed in helping people on the beaches. While other countries have substantial volunteer programmes that allow their youngsters to demonstrate more responsibility towards their own community. We wanted to give our youth a chance to be a part of a larger initiative which helps them give back to the community,” said Navin Awasthi, CEO at Drishti Marine lifesaving. 

“With massive crowds on the beaches, these young citizens can now assist lifeguards in more crowded areas, thus allowing the lifesavers to attend to more pressing issues on the beach,” he also said. 

In order to assist the Drishti Marine lifesavers, volunteers will be stationed at high-density beaches such as Calangute, Baga, Miramar, Bambolim, Siridao and at the Dudhsagar waterfalls. The volunteers have been trained to respond to first-aid emergencies, as well as to recognise various sea conditions and to support lifeguards in patrolling and surveillance on the beaches. The volunteers will also be outfitted in special uniforms during their period of service. On completion of the number of hours, the volunteers will be given an honorarium for the services rendered and a certificate which they may add as part of their CV for future studies a

Goa Beaches off-limits for Swimming due to Onset of Monsoons: Drishti Marine Advisory

Panaji, June  2023: Beaches in Goa are closed for swimming, with the onset of monsoons in the coming days, according to a senior official of Drishti Marine, a private agency appointed by the Goa government for carrying out rescue and relief operations on the state’s beaches and other water bodies. 

Drishti Marine’s 400-strong force of life-savers patrols Goa's beaches all year. On account of the monsoons and weather conditions which are expected to see heavy rain and high waves, red flags have been posted across all beaches under Drishti Marine’s supervision, which debar beachgoers from wading into the sea. 

“Due to the weather change and the  onset of the monsoon showers, beaches will henceforth be closed for swimming,” said Navin Awasthi, chief executive officer (CEO) Drishti Marine. Water sports activity has also been suspended on Goa’s beaches, he also said. 

“We have placed red flags at all beaches to indicate that the area is not suitable for swimming. Even wading into the water is not advised. Our team of lifesavers stationed along the coast is keeping an eye on the weather patterns and how they influence the seas. The team has been trained to perform rescues even in bad weather,” Awasthi said. 

According to meteorology reports, cyclonic weather conditions in the Arabian Sea have already resulted in rough seas. The arrival of the monsoons in Goa has also led to the implementation of the ban by the state government on fishing in the seas from June 1 to July 31, 2023

Drishti Marine advises visitors to avoid rocky areas, cliffs and hills along the shoreline. During the monsoon season, these stretches are considered perilous due to their slippery nature. The wave height, intensity and frequencies of the waves in the sea too are extremely high, making it easy for beachgoers to get pulled into the ferocious sea. 

Drishti Marine monitors sea conditions and weather conditions on a daily basis. 

#ListenToYourLifesaver: Safety tips for the monsoons by Drishti Marine, Goa’s lifesaver agency:

• We advise visitors not to venture onto the beach. Even wading into the waters is not advisable. 

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

• Keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and do not allow them to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow it may be .

• Stay alert as patrolling lifesavers make regular announcements to alarm and educate people via the Public Address System installed on their jeeps.

• It is not suitable to head out to the beach or venture into the water during lightning and thunder, because lightning can pose danger. 

• Do not climb onto the rocks during low tide because the rocks tend to get a lot more slippery and mossy during the monsoon season.

• It is not advisable to swim or to engage in any water sports activities at the beach during the monsoons from June to September, because even though the sea may seem calm, a sudden large wave can sneak up on you and pull you into deep waters without warning. 

•  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

Drishti Marine launches safety initiatives to ensure beach safety

Panaji April 2023: Cordoning off risk-prone areas along beaches, deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to monitor risk-prone zones, increasing awareness about safe swimming practices are some of the measures being rolled out by Drishti Marine in order to enhance beach safety measures in the coastal state. 

While the closure of risk-prone stretches and the ‘Swim With Lifesavers’ initiatives will be implemented in the first phase of the initiative, the lifeguard agency is in the process of fine-tuning its AI apparatus and is also readying a ‘Paw Squad’, a team of trained dogs to aid lifesavers in rescue and beach safety operations. 

The additional measures are being undertaken in consultation with the state government in wake of the recent death of four persons at Keri beach at a designated ‘No Selfie Zone’ and to avoid such instances in the future. Measures will be taken to ensure that the local fishing communities would not be hindered by the safety measures. 

Honourable Tourism Minister and MLA of Porvorim, Rohan Khaunte announced the implementation of the additional safety measures at Candolim beach at a special event on Friday. 

“As time goes by, we have to adopt new technologies, innovations... There was a tragic incident some days back, when some people tried to take selfies in a ‘no-selfie zone’. Their unfortunate deaths reflect on the tourism and safety in the state. We spoke to Drishti Marine about it and they have developed these innovative products for beach safety,” Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said. 

The 'Swim With Lifesavers' programme was first launched in March 2021 by Drishti Marine in Goa. The programme was started in order to create awareness, impart education and provide useful tips about swimming in the sea, while also encouraging individuals to learn to respect the sea to gain a better understanding about it. The 60-minute programme offers a guided swim session, open to all, and aims to create awareness about sea safety and respect for lifesavers. The programme is being revived on beaches which receive heavy footfalls, namely Miramar, Benaulim, Colva and Candolim.

Drishti Marine is also in the process of providing final touches to its two AI platforms Aurus and Triton, which uses advanced technology to assist lifesavers in beach safety. 

Aurus is a self-driving robot and the AI-powered monitoring system, Triton, will augment life-saving capabilities along Goa's beaches. Both systems can monitor the surroundings, assess risks and share real-time information to help on-duty lifesavers respond faster. AURUS is currently deployed as a pilot project at Miramar Beach in North Goa for assistance in beach closure, while TRITON, still in testing mode, has been deployed at Baina, Velsao, Benaulim, Galgibag beaches in South Goa and Morjim in North Goa. Drishti Marine intends to roll out 100 Triton units and 10 Aurus units on the beaches of Goa in the coming months. 

“It's deeply painful to us, the lifesaving community, to lose an individual to the rough seas. Prevention of a drowning incident is the first step. In an effort to avoid such incidents in the future, barriers along with additional security personnel will be deployed p at risk prone areas in order to deter visitors from accessing these potentially dangerous areas along with additional security personnel deployed. Cordoning off the rocky area  near Fort Aguada at Sinquerim has already led to minimisation of such incidents. We plan to replicate the practice in other treacherous spots on rocky beaches like Keri and Anjuna,” according to Drishti Marine Operations Manager Navin Awasthi. 

"The vast expanses of the beach can be effectively monitored by this AI powered monitoring system while the human resources, the lifesavers, can focus more effectively on the swim zones and save people's lives," added Awasthi. 

Drishti Marine is training a team of lifesaver dogs for deployment on high-density beaches in Goa, in a first-of-its-kind program in Asia. The team of eleven dogs are being trained to spot and rescue victims in distress, search and rescue in rocky areas and locate missing children. The 'Paw Squad' is presently under training and will be deployed first on high-density beaches and later on less crowded ones. The team is under the care of Arjun Shawn Moitra, an expert dog trainer. Their intensive outdoor training includes sessions in a swimming pool to acclimate them with water and putting the dogs through agility drills. The dogs are also groomed regularly with periodic vet examinations and are housed in sanitised kennel spaces that has been approved by DSPCA and has been visited personally by DSPCA Officer Dexter Braganza as well as Mr.Atul Sarin Founder of NGO Welfare For Animals in Goa who has been inspiring humanity by actively providing stray Dogs,cats and cattle’s with food, shelter and care

“The introduction and upgradation of the range of beach safety measures and initiatives is aimed at reducing accidents and drowning incidents along the state’s beaches,” Awasthi also said. 

Drishti began operations in Goa in 2008. A total of 200 drowning cases occurred in 2007, the previous year which prompted the state government to take immediate measures and put together an efficient system. The service has led to a 99% reduction in deaths due to drowning and significantly improved the tourist experience in Goa. Over 6000+ lives have been saved since then, due to intervention rescue operations.    

Calangute tops list of beaches with most rescues by Lifesavers

Panaji, March 2023: The popular Calangute beach stretch topped the list of Goan beaches with the highest number of rescues by lifesavers, while more rescues were carried out by Lifesavers off Palolem beach, than any other beaches in South Goa, according to statistics released by Drishti Marine, Goa’s state government-appointed lifeguard agency.

As per the findings, 167 rescue operations were conducted in the waters off Calangute beach – the highest number in the entire state – followed by Baga with 113 rescues and Arambol with 43 rescues, followed by Morjim (29) and Vagator (24) in North Goa.

Palolem led the ranking of beaches with the most rescues in South Goa with 25 rescue operations. This was followed by Colva with 18 rescue operations and Benaulim with six rescues while Agonda and Cavelossim reported five rescues.

The statistics include only those rescue operations which were carried out off Goa coastline.

According to Drishti Marine, most of the rescues were necessitated due to two factors; alcohol consumption and unwillingness to listen to the Lifesaver’s instructions to swim within the safe zones marked on the beaches with flags. Selfies taken near rocky areas are also a major reason for such accidents, which necessitates rescue operations.

Goa being a tourist destination, visitors do tend to want to have a nice time and that often involves consuming a lot of alcohol. Drishti Marine urges visitors who have consumed alcohol to stay away from the sea. Lifesavers stationed on the beach are alert to spot potential dangerous situations. They politely request visitors who are intoxicated to not venture into the waters. Some agree and some don’t. However the Lifesavers are trained to tackle such sensitive situations on ground.

Less popular beaches accounted for the lowest number of rescues, with only two rescues being reported at Querim beach, one in Dona Paula, with Bambolim, Siridao and Vainguinim, all reporting zero rescue incidents in North Goa.

In South Goa, Cola beach reported three rescue operations, while Betalbatim, Varca and Cabo De Rama reported two rescues each.

The popular Dudhsagar waterfall has also been a location with high footfalls due to it being a tourist attraction. There have been 55 rescue operations conducted at the site which is patrolled by Drishti’s lifesavers over the course of the year.

In addition, Drishti Marine’s detailed report also identified the beaches which are most prone to hazards such as riptides and unsteady waters, which includes coastal areas in South Goa like Mormugao’s Japanese Garden, Betul, Cabo de Rama, Khola, Agonda, Colamb, Polem, and Palolem’s rocky areas. Beaches in North Goa such as Kerim, Ashwem, Sweet Lake, Vagator, Anjuna, Sinquerim, Baga and Candolim were also identified as being most prone to riptides and rough waters.

“Drishti Marine urges visitors to follow safety guidelines and to always be aware of their surroundings while enjoying Goa’s beaches. The prescribed guidelines are avoiding swimming in areas with red flags which alerts of rough and high riptides, avoiding entering in areas demarcated as non swim zones, making sure the instructions and sign boards laid out across the beach are followed and most importantly ensuring you listen to the Lifesavers that are advising you as they are doing it keeping in mind your safety,” says Navin Awasthi, Operations Head of Drishti Marine.

Goa’s beaches attract lakhs of tourists every year. Drishti Marine’s Lifesavers work tirelessly to ensure the safety of beachgoers and tourists, with hundreds of individuals assisted to safety each year.

Other prescribed guidelines are as follows

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 they may be.

Avoid swimming in areas demarcated for water sports.

Stay alert as lifeguards while patrolling make announcements to alarm and educate people via the Public Address System put up on the jeeps.

Individuals with a medical problem should seek advice from Lifesavers before entering into the water.

It is not suitable to head out to the beach or venture into the water during lightning and thunder because lightning can pose a danger.

Do not get onto the rocks during low tide because the rocks get a lot more slippery and mossy during the monsoon season.

Post beach closure, individuals should not venture into the sea.

People should avoid taking selfies near rocky/slippery areas.

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.

Drishti Marine issues summer advisory amid rising temperatures in Goa

Panaji April 2023: An extreme summer is on the cards for India as 36 weather stations in cities across the country recorded temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius on Monday. The Indian meteorological department (IMD) has predicted heatwaves in Eastern India and Northwest parts of India in the coming two days. As a result, more people are flocking to the beaches to cool off in the rising heat.

Domestic tourists have been heading to Goa with families in tow for their annual summer break.

Temperatures in the state are set to soar this month with the summers reaching its peak. According to the India Metrological Department (IMD), since March 1, till date, the maximum temperature has been above 36 Degree Celsius for the continuous period. The maximum temperature over Goa is likely to remain 4-6 Degree Celsius above the normal value.

With tourists and locals heading to the beach to get some respite from the heat and cool off amidst the waves, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency has issued a summer advisory on simple ways to stay safe while at the beach during the hot summer month.

Drishti’s 450 -strong lifesaving force man Goa’s beaches throughout the year. 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 the non-swim zones. A beach umbrella is ideal to protect yourself from the sun’s direct heat, keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It is advisable to carry sunscreen in order to protect yourselves from sunburns and heat-strokes. The blue sea is inviting during the sweltering summers. However, the seemingly calm waves may have rip currents, flash currents and underwater currents that the beach goers need to be cautious about before taking a dip into the sea. The team of lifesavers present along the coast monitor the surroundings and are trained to carry out rescues in the rough sea conditions.

Navin Awasthi, Operations Head at Drishti Marine says, “The scorching heat also can be the cause of skin rashes, sunburns, and heat strokes. Make sure to stay hydrated through the day and try to avoid being in direct sunlight between 12noon and 3.00pm when the rays are the harshest.”

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

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 which are at risk of rip and underwater currents are marked out 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 out by the 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 under the sight of the 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, lifesavers are posted at Mayem lake and Dudhsagar

It is best to visit the beach when the lifesavers are on duty between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00p.m.

It is advisable to carry caps, umbrellas, sunscreen and a water bottle to save yourselves from 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 have an encounter with a rip current while swimming. It is best to stay afloat and alert the lifesaver on duty. The lifesavers are constantly monitoring the beach and are trained to identify incidents.

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. If on a beach with lifesavers, contact the nearest lifesaver or approach the lifesaving tower.