Panaji: With the monsoon arriving in Goa, state-appointed lifesaving agency Drishti Marine has warned residents and tourists to stay out of the sea and exercise caution at beaches, waterfalls and other waterfront locations across the state.The agency has flagged rocky stretches, cliffs and elevated coastal areas as particularly hazardous during the rains, warning that moss-covered surfaces and wet conditions make them dangerously slippery.“Strong currents, high waves and changing weather conditions make even shallow waters unsafe. We urge everyone to respect the red flags and avoid entering the sea altogether,” said Navin Awasthi, chief executive officer of Drishti Marine.Swimming, coastal sports and fishing operations are prohibited during the monsoon season, with red flags deployed along beach stretches statewide to signal unsafe conditions. The agency has warned that the sea can turn dangerous without warning.Beachgoers are advised to maintain at least 10m distance from the waterline, avoid rocky areas, refrain from taking selfies on coastal rocks and never venture into the water under the influence of alcohol. Parents are urged to keep children under strict supervision at all times.Drishti Marine has deployed over 450 trained lifesavers and beach marshals across 30 beaches in South Goa and 24 in North Goa. Personnel are also stationed at inland locations including Mayem lake in Bicholim, Dudhsagar waterfall, Savri waterfall in Sanguem and Mhovacho Guno in Sattari.On Saturday, four youths, including three brothers drowned while swimming downstream at Collem, downriver at the Dudhsagar waterfalls. All four were students at a college in Vasco.
