With the monsoon setting in early, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed agency tasked with safeguarding lives along Goa's coastline and two other water bodies – Dudhsagar waterfall and Mayem lake, has issued an advisory on keeping safe during the wet season.
While swimming in the sea and coastal water sports are off-limits during the monsoon, Drishti Marine has advised beachgoers to exercise care due to unpredictable weather conditions, rough seas and tricky terrain.
“We have placed red flags on all beaches across Goa to indicate that swimming is currently unsafe due to rough sea conditions. Even entering shallow water is not advised, as strong currents and unpredictable waves pose a risk. Over the past few days, monsoon winds have intensified, leading to unusually turbulent waters along the coast. Our lifesaving teams are stationed at key points and are continuously monitoring the situation. While they are fully equipped to respond to emergencies, we strongly encourage everyone to prioritise their safety by staying out of the water until conditions improve,” said Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine.
Awasthi also said that it is necessary to follow guidelines laid down for the safety and security of beachgoers, in order to prevent any mishaps while at the beach or near coastal areas.
During the monsoons, beach slopes and rocky patches along the coastline and the immediate shore tend to be slippery and therefore risk-prone. Beachgoers are hence urged to not access rocky areas, cliffs and hills along the shoreline.
Swimming or even wading into the water is fraught with risk on account of the height, intensity and frequency of the waves in the monsoon-fed sea.
Drishti Marine, which constantly monitors sea conditions and weather conditions on a daily basis, has also urged beachgoers, both tourists and local residents, to not ignore red flags placed along beach stretches which indicate that the areas are off-limits for swimming.