Parasailing Parachute Gets Stuck on Tree in Varca, Raising Safety Concerns on Goa Beaches

A video shot by an angry villager showing a parasailing parachute stuck on a tree near Club Mahindra Hotel in Varca on Thursday has reignited public concern over the safety standards of watersports operators along Goa’s beaches. In the video, the villager can be heard questioning the lack of safety precau tions taken by operators and warning that such negli gence could lead to a major tragedy. “Tourists come here to en joy, but who is responsible for their safety?” the citizen asked. Citizen also recalled a recent incident in which a woman tourist and her child were left stranded on a coco nut tree for nearly an hour after a similar mishap during a parasailing activity. Eyewitnesses said the par achute became entangled in a tree while attempting to land, forcing the tourist to remain suspended until lo cals and workers rushed to assist. Fortunately, the tour ist escaped without serious injury, though the incident caused considerable panic among onlookers. Locals alleged that the watersports operator in volved has been functioning without adequate safety measures or qualified per sonnel. “There are no visi ble checks on equipment or proper training for the staff. Every year, we see such risky incidents, but no one takes corrective action,” said one resident, adding that repeated complaints to the authorities have not yielded any results. Residents further claimed that operators in the area continue to run unregulated watersports activities de spite existing government guidelines that require strict adherence to safety proto cols, including trained life guards, quality-tested gear, and insurance coverage for tourists. “Authorities conduct in spections only after an acci dent takes place. Preventive action is almost non-exist ent,” another villager alleged. The video, which has been widely shared on so cial media, has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety norms and regular monitoring of watersports operations in South Goa’s coastal belt. Meanwhile, local activ ists have urged the Tourism Department and Captain of Ports to take serious note of the incident and ensure that all operators in Varca and nearby beaches comply with licensing and safety re quirements before resuming activities.