Panaji: A safety education initiative led by Drishti Marine has drawn nearly 3,000 participants across Goa’s beaches in just 50 days, highlighting a growing public interest in ocean safety. The programme, titled Sagar Safar, introduces tourists and residents to sea behaviour, safe swimming practices, and rip current awareness under the direct supervision of professional lifesavers.The latest leg of the campaign recorded 2,966 participants across six coastal stretches. This figure represents more than three-quarters of the total attendance registered during the previous tourist season, which saw 3,867 individuals take part.Goa recorded 71 to 72 drowning deaths during the first six months of this year, highlighting a severe water safety crisis across the state’s beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and inland water bodies. Authorities have noticed a recurring pattern of ignored warning signs, underestimation of rough monsoon or river currents, and swimming while intoxicated or in unmonitored areas.Colva beach in South Goa recorded the highest turnout with 1,544 participants, while Calangute in North Goa followed closely with 1,110 attendees. Additional participants were recorded at Utorda, Baga, Miramar and Benaulim.Chief executive officer of Drishti Marine, Navin Awasthi, said the programme bridges the gap between holiday leisure and ocean awareness. Awasthi said tourists often arrive wanting to enjoy the sea but leave with a deeper respect for coastal conditions and flag systems, which builds vital confidence for first-time swimmers and tourists who do not live along the coastline.Originally launched in 2021 as Swim With Lifesavers, the initiative was later expanded into Sagar Safar with support from the tourism department. Across its operational windows, the total participation reached 6,833 individuals. Organisers said combining practical water sessions with direct safety briefings is a crucial preventive measure against coastal drowning incidents across the state’s popular shores.Launched in 2021 as Swim With Lifesavers, the initiative was later expanded into Sagar Safar with tourism department support. It has reached 6,833 participants, combining practical water sessions with safety briefings to prevent coastal drownings.
