Lifeguards with latest equipment deployed for beach safety in Goa

Panaji, Oct 5 (UNI) In a bid to check increasing number of tourists drowning along beaches on the 105-km coastline of this international tourist destination, the authorities have posted 52 lifeguards with life-saving equipment at all vulnerable places in Goa with tourist season having already begun.

Disclosing this to media persons here today, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Managing Director Sanjit Rodrigues said the lifeguards had been well-trained and well-equipped in rescuing tourists from being drowned.

These measures have been taken with Goa expecting more than 25 million tourists this season that has begun from October with chartered flights already started flying to Goa.

The lifeguards have also been directed to warn the tourists against the tides and drunken diving into the sea. At the same time, he has cautioned the tourists against defying the warnings of the lifeguards and venturing into the sea after dusk when most of the deaths occurred due to high currents.

The lifeguards have also been trained in handling the latest equipments purchased at a cost of about Rs 15 lakhs. They include powerful binoculars, lifeuoys, fluorescent jackets, oxygen resuscitators, portable oxygen cylinders and water goggles.

''We are also planning to develop our own VHF communication network with GPS system for monitoring the developments along the beaches on a regular beaches and rushing assistance in case of an emergency,'' he told UNI.

Meanwhile, owners of all the shacks and beach resorts came forward to extend help in case of exigencies like rushing the drowning victims to nearby hospitals and giving first aid.

The authorities have also demarked beaches into ''safe swimming zones'' by hoisting yellow flags and the unsafe beaches with red flags even as the lifeguards will warn the tourists by airing announcements through portable microphone sets.

Leaflets and publicity material have been kept at the disposal of lifeguards for distribution to the tourists on beach safety.

UNI