It's summer and the lure of the sea and a refreshing dip are irresistible. However, the hidden reality cannot be overlooked because the sea is both beautiful and unpredictable. It demands respect.
This hidden reality hit many beachgoers who were in Goa for an extended Eid weekend recently. Some of them were rescued from drowning by lifeguards of Drishti Marine on different beaches across Goa.
PALOLEM BEACH
Two men from Pune, aged between 30 and 33 years, who were kayaking off the Palolem coast, panicked when seawater flooded their boat. At the time, they were around 500 mts into the sea.
Spotting them in distress, Drishti Marine lifesaver Laxmikant rushed into the water using a jetski and brought the persons safely ashore.
CALANGUTE BEACH
Despite repeated cautions advising him not to venture into a demarcated watersport zone, a 38-year-old man from Maharashtra received injuries to his leg, while tugging the rope of a watersports boat.
The person’s shorts got caught in the vessel’s rotor, injuring his leg. He was immediately administered first aid by lifesaver Vinod Gaonkar. Zones demarcated exclusively for water sports are no go for swimming purposes.
AROSSIM BEACH
A minor girl from Russia was suddenly pulled into the sea by rough waves when she and her parents were swimming off Arossim beach. Spotting her plight, a lifesaver rushed to her rescue, bringing the victim, aged between five and seven years, to the safety of the shore.
ARAMBOL BEACH
A 40-year-old man from Kazakhstan was rescued from drowning off the Arambol coast after he was caught in a rip current. Drishti Marine captain Sandeep Mapankar rushed to his aid and brought him ashore.
ASHWEM BEACH
A 30-year-old woman from Delhi, who had ventured around 70 metres into the sea, found herself trapped in a rip current off the Ashwem coast in North Goa.
Her cries for help caught the attention of lifesaver Sumit Ankolekar, who immediately informed the lifesaver tower, before rushing seaward with a rescue board. Captain Nagesh Sarang also joined the lifesaver in the rescue operation with a jetski and brought the person ashore safely.
AGONDA BEACH
A 50-year-old person from Delhi who started drowning off the coast was saved using a rescue tube by lifesaver Ankush Vagonkar.
Tourists who throw safety to the wind can find themselves in trouble. It is always good to follow these safety tips:
1) Always swim in designated safe areas.
2) Pay attention to lifeguard warnings and flags.
3) Never ignore advice about restricted zones, especially watersport areas.
4) Keep an eye on children at all times, even in shallow waters.
5) If caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, and signal for help.