In the past, Goa’s peak tourist seasons were often marred by incidents of drowning near the beaches. These tragic events were primarily a result of tourists being unaware of the dangers and venturing too far into the sea, exacerbated by some individuals being under the influence of alcohol. However, a recent experiment conducted by the Goa government in October and November has provided a blueprint for enhancing the safety of the state’s beaches.

The pilot experiment involved deploying wardens and the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) along the beaches to monitor the movement of tourists and facilitate prompt rescues when necessary. The goal was to focus on preserving lives, particularly by preventing intoxicated or inexperienced swimmers from entering the sea. Manohar Azgaonkar, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, highlighted that the initiative brought order to the chaotic beach situation caused by heavy footfall.

Encouraged by the positive outcomes, the government has tasked Drishti Marine, a private beach management agency, with compiling a report based on their findings. The intention is to expand this project to various locations along the state’s western coast regularly between October and February.

Unlike trained lifeguards stationed on the beaches, the deployed beach wardens are not equipped for water rescues and do not cross the High Tide Line. Instead, they are trained to monitor and intervene with errant or intoxicated tourists on the beach, especially those at risk of venturing into the sea against safety guidelines.

Goa faced challenges in recent months due to cyclones and adverse weather conditions, coinciding with increased weekend domestic tourism. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant issued warnings to tourists to behave responsibly. On a high footfall day in November, lifeguards conducted 16 major rescues, highlighting the need for additional intervention beyond traditional lifeguard services.

Recognizing the limitations of police in ensuring beach safety, Drishti Marine deployed wardens to patrol the beaches. The collaboration between wardens and lifeguards resulted in identifying safer swimming zones and addressing rip currents. Statistics revealed a 70% increase in rescues compared to the previous five years, attributed to adverse weather conditions and public indifference to safety.

Tourism officials emphasize the importance of tourist education, urging visitors to recognize the risks of entering the sea while intoxicated. The IRB and wardens are now authorized to refer rule-violating tourists to the nearest police station. While acknowledging that tourism management is an evolving subject, officials are optimistic about the effectiveness of the additional layer of intervention provided by wardens and IRB personnel.

On Monday, the Bombay High Court in Goa granted permission to the state government to issue temporary licenses for the establishment of beach shacks selling food and beverages. The court’s decision is based on the commencement of the tourist season in Goa and the substantial employment opportunities it generates. The order acknowledges the state’s authority to implement the shack policy for the period 2019-22.

In addition, the court urged the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to promptly finalize the Coastal Zone Management Plan for Goa, aligning with the timeline specified by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT had previously restrained the issuance of licenses for beach shacks until the submission of the Coastal Zone Management Plan by the Goa government, with a deadline set for August 30.

Highlighting the eco-friendly construction of shacks using materials such as wood, bamboo, and palm leaves, the court noted that these structures have been in existence for decades without any demonstrated adverse environmental impact. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Mahesh Sonak, addressed a petition by activists challenging the NGT order, which had halted the issuance of shack licenses until the submission of the Coastal Zone Management Plan.

While the tourism department is responsible for granting licenses, the petitioners raised concerns about the absence of ecological measures being implemented. The court’s decision aims to balance the economic benefits of tourism with environmental considerations, allowing for the continued operation of beach shacks during the tourist season in Goa.

On Friday, the beach management agency of the Goa government issued a warning regarding the presence of toxic Portuguese man-of-war or blue bottles, a jelly-like marine organism, along the extensive coastline. The advisory from Drishti Marine cautioned both locals and tourists against entering the sea at Baga beach due to the potential presence of bluebottles in the waters or along the shoreline. It emphasized that even wading into the waters is not advisable during the monsoon months due to unfavorable sea and weather conditions for swimming.

The advisory explained the distinction between toxic and non-toxic marine animals, noting that while most jellyfish stings are harmless and cause only mild irritation, venomous species like the Bluebottle can be harmful on contact. It highlighted that even a dead bluebottle washed ashore can deliver a sting. Precautions recommended in the advisory include the use of hot water, spraying the affected area with vinegar, and applying ice packs.

While the occurrence of this particular marine organism is rare, it is observed in the waters during intermittent periods amid heavy monsoon conditions.

At the onset of the offseason, a stern warning prohibiting selfies has been prominently displayed at 24 tourist hotspots in Goa. This drastic measure, accompanied by red flags, is a response to recent tourist fatalities, one of which was captured in a viral video on June 17.

The video depicted three individuals from Tamil Nadu sitting on rocks below Fort Aguada, awaiting the sunrise. Suddenly, a powerful wave, known as “the most greedy of all waves” by lifeguards, crashed on the rocks, pulling one of the boys through a crevice. The tragic incidents prompted the urgent need for red alerts, according to Ravi Shanker, CEO of Drishti Marine, the state-appointed lifeguard agency overseeing 40 prominent beaches in Goa. He emphasized the growing disregard for safety regulations and attributed it to a lack of understanding of water dynamics and awareness of responsible beach behavior.

Following the viral video, the state government closely monitored several deaths at the start of the offseason, with four accidental fatalities reported during the annual water ban period from May 31 to September 30. Among these incidents, a group of 14 individuals from Maharashtra drowned in Calangute after venturing into heavy currents in a no-swim zone, while others in their group photographed the risky activity. Another fatality involved a “selfie victim” who fell from the Vagator tower and was swept away by the current on May 23.

To address the escalating risks, new warning flags were installed at prominent tourist spots, including Baga River, Dona Paula Jetty, Sinquerim Fort, Anjuna, Vagator, and others. However, locals reported facing resistance from tourists who disregarded warnings about the dangers at these locations. Incidents of lifeguards being physically assaulted when advising large groups to avoid hazardous areas for selfies were also reported.

Over the past five years, there have been 1,653 rescues, with 1,285 involving Indian nationals and 368 involving foreigners. This year alone, 73 Indian nationals have been rescued despite ample warnings. Lifeguards emphasized the common threat posed by the influence of alcohol and the tendency for non-swimmers to imitate foreigners or engage in risky behavior to impress others.

Ashwin Ghag, a seasoned lifeguard, highlighted the need for constant vigilance, especially regarding individuals attempting risky behavior influenced by alcohol or the desire to impress. Jivba Dalvi, a senior police inspector, stressed the importance of caution during photography near water, cliffs, or slippery rocks due to the strong currents. The police are now advocating for a 24-hour lifeguard service, as tourists have been observed entering the waters even during early hours.