Panaji: With the monsoon setting in across Goa, the state’s designated lifesaving agency has urged residents and tourists to stay out of the sea and avoid swimming in inland water bodies, warning that rough seas and unpredictable weather conditions can turn hazardous within moments.
In a public advisory issued on Friday, Drishti Marine said that swimming in the sea, coastal water sports activities, and fishing operations remain prohibited during the monsoon season.
The agency said that more than 450 trained lifesavers and beach marshals have been deployed across 54 beaches in the state, including 30 in South Goa and 24 in North Goa, to assist visitors and respond to emergencies.
Apart from beaches, lifesavers have also been stationed at Mayem Lake, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Savri Waterfall, and Mhovacho Guno, the press note stated.
Red flags have been placed along beach stretches across Goa to warn visitors against entering the water, the agency said.
“The sea can appear calm one moment and become dangerous the next during the monsoon. Strong currents, tall waves, and changing weather conditions make even shallow waters unsafe,” Drishti Marine CEO Navin Awasthi said.
He urged people to respect the red flags and avoid entering the sea altogether.
“Our lifesavers are on duty across Goa and are continuously monitoring conditions, but the safest choice is to stay out of the water and follow all advisories issued at the beaches,” Awasthi added.
The agency also cautioned beachgoers against venturing near rocky stretches, cliffs, and elevated coastal areas, which often become slippery during the rains and pose a risk of falls and injuries.
It warned that even walking into the water along the shoreline could be dangerous, as strong currents and powerful waves may quickly pull people into deeper areas.
Drishti Marine said its teams are continuously monitoring sea and weather conditions and remain on alert to respond to emergencies along the coastline and at designated inland locations.
The agency appealed to the public to cooperate with lifesavers and beach marshals, pay attention to warning flags and signage, and strictly follow safety instructions issued during the monsoon season.
