Team Herald
PANJIM: In view of heavy pre-monsoon showers expected over the next two days, Drishti Marine has issued advisory instructing visitors to the beach not to venture into the sea during the next 48 hours.
According to the alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in North and South Goa with wind speeds of 45 to 55 kms per hour. The coastal belt will also witness fast currents and high waves in the range of 2.8 to 4 mtrs high.
“Citizens are advised to be cautious as rough weather and sea conditions will prevail during these days. Adults are especially cautioned to keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and not allow children to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow it may be,” a press statement issued by the lifeguard agency on Monday, states.
Drishti had further advised visitors to avoid rocky areas, cliffs and hills on the shoreline and avoid clicking selfies, which has claimed few lives in the past. “These can be very slippery. Moreover, the wave height and intensity are expected to be high and one can easily lose their footing,” it said.
IMD has also cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea off Goa- Maharashtra coast and open sea in the next two days.
Owing to the lockdown and present weather conditions, red flags have been posted across all beaches under Drishti’s surveillance indicating that these are strictly non-swim zones.
“Lifeguards continue to monitor and patrol the beach stretches. An accident can take place at any time and our lifeguard force that are trained in first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated external defibrillator (AED); and are the first responders for any emergencies and medical interventions along the coast. Drishti Marine checks the weather forecast with the IMD on a daily basis to keep a close tab on the weather conditions,” reads the statement.
