The beaches of Calangute, Candolim, Baga and Colva receive maximum number of tourists, and their numbers increase manifold during festive times, especially during New Year’s week, making it difficult to manage crowds with regular deployment.
Nine people have drowned so far this year, while Drishti saved over 600 people.
An average of 18-20 lifeguards will be deployed at Baga, Miramar, Calangute and Candolim, the busiest beaches in North Goa and Colva, Benaulim and Palolem in South Goa. Jeep patrolling will also be increased to assist in the rescue work.
Naveen Awasthi, Head of Operations, Drishti Marine, said, “We expect the coast to be extremely busy over the next few days, especially in areas with high footfall. We have started deploying additional lifeguards on beaches, especially on popular ones.”
Tourists are a difficult task to manage when numbers soar, as not all listen to lifeguards when asked not to swim in no-swim zones.
A tourist police said that many a time there have been disputes between tourists and lifeguards, they have to intervene when such incidents happen.
Since last month, the state government has deployed tourist police while patrolling round-the-clock to protect visitors to the beach at Calangute-Candolim.
Apart from lifeguards, additional jet skis have also been deployed at the busiest beaches, Awasthi said.
“Every tower and jeep is equipped with a high powered two-way radio set to enable robust communication. The lifeboats piloting these jet skis coordinate with each other at various locations during search and rescue operations. do,” he said.
In all 35 towers, lifesaving first aid kits, spine boards, surfboards, rescue boards, rescue tubes, handheld radio sets, bags to aid in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) machines are equipped with valve masks .
Lifeguards are stationed at 40 beaches, Dudhsagar Falls and Mayam Lake.
Drishti Lifesavers operate between 7 am to 6 pm. Swimming is not permitted after sunset, and police patrol the beaches until midnight.
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