There has seen a spurt in cases of tourists drowning, forcing the government to express its concern over the issue. Reacting to the drowning incidents, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has squarely blamed the tourists for being drunk when venturing into the rough seas. He also announced that the State will deploy additional Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel to man the coastline, especially the black spots and will be strict on drinking in public.
It is without doubt that most of the drowning incidents have occurred due to drinking and tourists ignoring the warnings issued by lifeguards. The Chief Minister is right when he says, “We cannot allow such nuisance just because we want more tourists.” However, where does the implementation of the Act the Goa Assembly recently passed stand? The Goa Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the Goa Tourist Place (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, that prohibits drinking alcohol, cooking and littering in tourist places, including beaches. Stores selling alcohol, and located in tourist places, have been barred from allowing customers to carry take away bottles or cans containing liquor. The stricter law provides for a fine of Rs 2,000 or a jail term of up to three months. Those committing the offence in groups can be penalised Rs 10,000 each. While the law is in place, the question arises is who will implement it and fine tourists for violations?
Seriously, the lifeguards from Drishti are the only personnel seen on the beaches. So who do we expect to penalise the tourists for breaking the law? The Drishti lifeguards? A private agency or the hawkers that mingle with the tourists? As per the lifeguards, the tourists are so drunk that no matter what they say the visitors do not listen. Besides, the Drishti officials say the agency has already put up red flags on all the beaches marking them as ‘no-swim’ zones to prevent cases of drowning.
Areas like Baga River, Dona Paula jetty, Sinquerim fort, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol, Kerim, the area between Bambolim and Siridao in North Goa have been identified as ‘no selfie’ zones. In South Goa, places including Agonda, Bogmalo, Hollant, Baina, Japanese garden, Betul, Canaguinim, Palolem, Khola, Cabo De Rama, Polem, Galgibaga, Talpona and Rajbagh are also ‘no selfie’ zones. But sadly, the tourists pay little heed to the signboards and often get into quarrels with the lifeguards, who are on the beaches to save their lives.
The agency also issued advisories cautioning tourists and visitors not to venture into the sea during the monsoon season (between June 1 and September 30) as the sea and wind conditions are not favourable for swimming or water-based recreational activities. A similar advisory was issued when the cyclonic conditions prevailed in Goa in end of October, yet tourists managed to sneak into the sea.
So, who is responsible for the loss of lives in this case? Surely, not the lifeguards. These days the beaches are so crowded that it is practically impossible to keep an eye on each and everyone. Merely, penalising the offenders cannot be the solution to the problem, but awareness could also play a key role. Also, Goa must appreciate that most visitors are not concerned about water safety, simply because the beaches also offer plenty of distractions and temptations — drinks, vendors and people watching.
Vacationers can stay safe only if they are aware that the beaches in Goa may be dangerous. Hence, awareness is also the key rather than just increasing the number of lifeguards and security. Tourists should also choose to swim at a beach patrolled by lifeguards, who will rescue and intervene when someone is at risk. Just because a beach is accessible, has numerous attractions and is near to a city or village, does not make it safe.
