PANAJI:
In an effort to reduce the number of accidents and falls from slippery and rocky areas along the coastline; Drishti Marine, the state appointed lifeguarding agency have identified ‘No-Selfie’ zones at 24 unsafe selfie points.
Areas identified in North Goa include Baga River, Dona Paula Jetty, Sinquerim Fort, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol, Kerim and between Bambolim and Siridao; and in South Goa, the signs will be placed at Agonda, Bogmalo, Hollant, Baina, Japanese Garden, Betul, Canaguinim, Palolem, Khola, Cabo De Rama, Polem, Galgibagh, Talpona and Rajbagh. These points will have ‘No-Selfie’ signages.
Explained Ravi Shankar, CEO, Drishti Marine, “Further, existing signage boards are being upgraded with pictorial instructions on flags, an emergency toll free number and dos and don’ts while visiting the beaches of Goa.”
Drishti Marine have issued an advisory cautioning tourists and visitors not to venture into the sea during the monsoon season i.e. 1st June to 30th September as the sea and wind conditions are not favourable for swimming or water-based recreational activities.
Red flags have been put up on all beaches marking them as no-swim zones. Drishti lifeguards are closely monitoring the weather conditions and are on duty throughout the monsoon period from 7.30 am till 6.00 pm daily. Additionally, two Drishti lifeguards are available at every lifeguard tower to handle any emergency which may crop up until 8.00 pm. Post sunset from 6:00 pm to 12 midnight, the beaches are monitored and patrolled by the Beach Safety Patrol (BSP).
