More than one domestic tourist was rescued from drowning every day in 2025 by lifesavers deployed along Goa’s coastline, with a total of 548 water-based rescues recorded out of 614 reported incidents, including multiple rescues in single cases. Of those saved, 450 were Indian nationals, including domestic tourists and Goan residents, while 98 were foreign nationals.
“In 2025, lifesavers assisted 829 victims through interventions that went beyond water-based rescues, including locating missing children, returning lost articles, preventing thefts, administering first aid in cases of suspected fractures, heat exhaustion, jellyfish stings, cuts, dehydration, missing persons and cardiac emergencies,” said Navin Awasthi, CEO, Drishti Marine.
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The year also witnessed the rescue of 56 Russians and 13 UK nationals, who topped the list of foreign nationals rescued by Drishti Marine lifesavers. Visitors from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka topped the list of domestic tourists saved from drowning along Goa’s coastline and at the Dudhsagar waterfalls during the same period.
The popular Baga–Sinquerim beach stretch reported the highest number of water rescues and related incidents. In North Goa, Calangute (103), Baga (68), Sinquerim (61) and Candolim (58) recorded the most cases requiring lifesaver intervention. In South Goa, Colva (55), Palolem (50), Mobor (38) and Agonda (35) emerged as the most incident-prone beaches.
Monthly data showed seasonal spikes influenced by weather, holiday weekends and tourism peaks. October recorded the highest 67 incidents, coinciding with the reopening of beaches after the monsoon and the start of the tourist season. December, traditionally Goa’s busiest month, saw the highest overall volume of beach incidents.
Children and young adults formed a significant share of those needing help. Also, 97 missing-person cases involved minors separated from families on crowded beaches. Lifesavers administered first aid in 110 cases, treating injuries from broken glass, stingray bites and stray dog attacks. A further 12 stray dog bite incidents were reported during the year, necessitating first aid and immediate care from lifesavers.
Individually, Calangute recorded the highest 85 incidents in North Goa, while Colva topped South Goa with 52 cases. Dona Paula, Cola and Zalor beaches each reported just one rescue in 2025.
