Thursday, July 8, 2021

Drishti,Goa beach safety body issues advisory: Stay away from rocky areas and cliffs;avoid venturing into sea

Prajash Kamat

Panaji,Jult 8- The Drishti,Goa government appointed life saving agency has issued an advisory of safety measures to people going to beaches in Goa during present monsoon times.

The advisory come in the wake of unfortunate incidents which took place last week where a young boy slipped from a dangerous cliff at Cabo da Rama fort when attempting to take a selfie. Last weekend two young males succumbed to the rough sea at Utorda when they ventured into the rough sea for a swim despite warnings from lifesavers and red flags posted on the beaches.

Drishti has advised beach goers to stay away from rocky areas and cliffs along the coastline. The rocks are very slippery during monsoon season and also wave height, intensity and frequencies are very high and one can easily get washed out.

In unfortunate and tragic incidents which took place last week,a young boy slipped from a dangerous cliff at Cabo da Rama fort in South coastal Goa when attempting to take a selfie. Last weekend two young males succumbed to the rough sea at Utorda when they ventured into the rough sea for a swim despite warnings from lifesavers and red flags posted on the beaches.  

The State has been lifting curfew and opening up activities across Goa. After having been confined indoors for several weeks, residents of the State and tourists have been heading to the beaches along the coast.  

“It has been observed that there has been a spike in visitors to the beaches along the coast. A number of visitors are scaling rocky area and cliff tops in an attempt to get photographs to share on their social media profiles. In an unfortunate incident which took place earlier last week a young man had scaled the rocky hill at Cabo da Rama fort and slipped into the waters when attempting to take a selfie from a dangerous edge. At Utorda two young males lost their lived to the rough sea. Such incidents are heart-breaking. Many of the images and videos posted online are located at extremely dangerous locations amidst steep rocks with jagged edges, areas with loose rocks and locations prone to rip currents and fierce waves. Many such locations are at beaches which are unmanned by lifeguards. This poses a serious threat to visitors.” explained Navin Awasthi, Operations Head, Drishti Marine.
 
He said, “The monsoons are on in Goa. Visitors to the beach are advised to not enter the sea as the sea conditions in the monsoons are extremely rough with fierce underwater currents.”
In an effort to reduce the number of accidents and falls from slippery and rocky areas along the coastline; Drishti Marine had previously identified unsafe zones which are strictly no-selfie zones. Appropriate signage boards continue to be posted at these spots along the coast.

Red flags are put up on all beaches marking them as strictly no-swim zones.(eom)



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