PANJIM: Drishti Marine, the government-appointed lifeguard agency, has advised beach visitors not to venture into the waters till September in view of the monsoon. An advisory issued by the agency states that the southwest monsoon is likely to hit Goa’s coast within the next 24 hours according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
“With moderate to heavy rains expected to lash various parts of Goa over the next few days, Drishti Marine, the State-appointed professional lifeguard agency has issued a monsoon advisory instructing visitors to the beach not to venture into the sea during the monsoon months extending from June till the end of September,” reads the press release.
The Goa government shuts down the beaches for swimming and all water sports activities during the monsoon months from June to August each year as the sea during this season tends to be extremely rough and choppy.
This year the State is observing a 47-day-long fishing ban from June 15 to July 31, as opposed to the annual 61 days fishing ban, where nearly 1,500 trawlers pull their nets off the territorial waters for the entire period of the ban.
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall with high speed winds is likely to occur at isolated places over North and South Goa. Drishti’s 400-strong lifeguard force mans Goa’s beaches through the year.
Owing to the oncoming monsoon and the present weather conditions, red flags have been posted across all beaches under Drishti’s surveillance indicating that these are strictly non-swim zones.
“Pre-monsoon showers have already hit Goa. Over the past few days light showers were witnessed along the coastal stretch. Accordingly, we advise visitors to the beach not to venture into the sea during the monsoon months. We have put up red flags at all the beaches which mean that the area is not meant for swimming. Even wading into the waters is not advisable. Our team of lifeguards present along the coast is monitoring the weather conditions. The team is trained to carry out rescues even in rough weather,” Ravi Shankar, Executive Director of Drishti Marine said.
Drishti, that had earlier this month also issued an advisory against visiting beaches, has reiterated its advice to the people to avoid rocky areas, cliffs and hills on the shoreline. River bathing including water sports activities is restricted.
In case of a dry spell over the next few months and depending on weather conditions, Drishti may open up a few beach stretches so that visitors can wade into the waters.
