PANJIM: Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar has said he will approach Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar urging for a law to penalise those drinking and swimming and those venturing into the water at late hours.
In a meeting with concerned departments and Drishti Lifesaving Services ahead of the tourist season, Azgaonkar said he would take up the issue with the CM to take strong action through the enactment of a law which will serve as a deterrent to those venturing into the sea to swim in an intoxicated condition. The meeting discussed the recent deaths due to drowning reported earlier this month.
Azgaonkar said he is proposing to impress on the government to come out with an ordinance immediately in this matter if required, before the new season commences. “Incidents of deaths due to drowning on the beaches of Goa will bring a bad name to the State and all agencies, including Department of Tourism have to act responsibly yet in a tough manner if required to ensure the safety of tourists on the beaches. Most accidents on the beaches like drowning, fights etc have been reported due to consumption of alcohol. It is also observed that tourists venture into the deep sea in the late hours of the night,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Azgaonkar agreed that tourists should not be allowed to venture into the sea after dark just as there are rules for swimming in pools enforced by hotels.
Until the new rule is enacted, Tourism Department has been directed to instruct beach shack operators to place sign boards in their shacks cautioning tourists from venturing into the sea in an intoxicated condition.
Azgaonkar extended support to Goa Police, Coastal Police and Drishti Lifesaving with regards to stepping up beach safety and water patrols and agreed to suggestions for dedicated medical services such as ambulances for the beach belts. A committee comprising representatives of all concerned agencies is also being constituted, which will meet once a month to review beach safety and water patrol issues.
