Safe Swim
Red & Yellow — Safe Swim Zone
Always swim between these flags. Lifeguards are watching this area and conditions are actively monitored.
Rule: Stay inside the flagged zone. Go confidently into the sea with Drishti Lifesaver guided Sagar Safar.
Learn about rip currents, waves and how to safely enjoy the water.
Enter the sea fearlessly with the Lifesaving team that has kept Goa’s beaches safe since 2008.
On-Beach Guidance
Beach Flags — Know Your Zone
These flags are placed by lifeguards. Read them before you enter the water.
No Swimming
Red — Do Not Enter
No swimming. Hazardous conditions (powerful waves, rips, or marine risks). Wait till flags return to red & yellow.
Rule: Stay on shore until conditions change.
Water Sports
Black & White — Water Sports Zone
Area reserved for jet skis, boats, and surfing. Do not swim here — move to the red & yellow safe zone.
Rule: Keep clear of craft lanes and rescue access.
Critical Safety
Rip Currents — Break the Grip of the Rip
A rip current is a strong, narrow flow of water moving away from shore, often between sandbars. It can quickly carry swimmers into deeper water. Learn how to spot a rip — and what to do if you’re caught in one.
Do This — Step by Step
- 1Stay calm. Conserve energy. Do not swim against the current.
- 2Swim parallel to the shoreline to exit the rip’s narrow channel.
- 3When clear, angle back to shore with the waves.
- 4If you can’t escape, float or tread water to stay afloat.
- 5Signal for help — wave one arm and call out to the lifeguards.
How to Spot a Rip
- Deeper, darker water between sandbars.
- Fewer breaking waves in a narrow gap.
- Foam/debris moving steadily seaward.
- Discolored channel (sandy water) heading out.
Why Rips Form
Waves push water toward the beach. That water returns to sea through the path of least resistance — often a channel between sandbars — creating a fast, seaward flow.
When in doubt: Stay out. Ask the lifesaver on duty and swim between the red & yellow flags.
Flags & Rip Currents Explained by Drishti Lifesaver
Ocean Awareness
Types of Waves — Know What You’re Swimming Into
Not all waves are friendly. Understanding how they break helps you identify safe swimming zones and avoid hidden dangers.
Spilling Waves
Spilling waves are gentle breakers that tumble gradually as they approach shore. They’re formed over gently sloping sea floors, creating long-lasting white foam.
Ideal for: swimming, surfing, and body surfing — slow, predictable, and less powerful.
Safe and fun — the friendliest wave type for beachgoers.
Plunging (Dumping) Waves
Plunging or dumping waves break with tremendous force, often throwing swimmers onto the seabed. They form when waves hit shallow sandbanks at low tide.
Danger: These waves can cause spinal injuries or dislocations — best to duck-dive through or avoid entirely.
Avoid these — strong impact zone.
Surging Waves
Surging waves have a smooth crest that rushes up and then slides back quickly, often on steep beaches. They don’t form a classic breaking surf zone.
Risk: Can knock swimmers off their feet and pull them into deeper water. Tsunamis are an extreme example of surging waves.
Watch your footing — stay alert on steep beaches.Types of Waves Explained by Drishti Lifesaver
Beach Behaviour
Do’s & Don’ts — Stay Safe, Stay Aware
Follow these simple guidelines from our Beach Marshals to keep yourself and others safe while enjoying the sea.
✓ Do’s
- ✓ Consult the lifesaver on duty about conditions before entering the water.
- ✓ Swim between the red & yellow flags — the patrolled safe-swim zone.
- ✓ Wear appropriate swimwear for comfort and safety.
- ✓ Approach the lifesavers for first aid if needed.
- ✓ Inform lifesavers immediately if a child is missing.
- ✓ Check the beach flags and warning boards when you arrive.
✕ Don’ts
- ✕ Don’t swim after sunset.
- ✕ Don’t enter the water after consuming alcohol.
- ✕ Don’t swim on unpatrolled beaches or in rough seas.
- ✕ Don’t swim in water sports zones (black & white flags).
- ✕ Don’t ignore lifeguard announcements or whistles.
- ✕ Don’t turn your back on the ocean — watch for waves and rip currents.
Sagar Safar — Locations & Timings
Tap a beach to focus on the map. Sessions daily at 11:00 & 16:00.