Panaji, Jan 5 (IANS) As many as 81 people were rescued from Goa’s beaches over the festive season of Christmas and New Year, even as lifeguards have reported an increase in kayak-related mishaps at sea.
Over the last fortnight, 12 persons were rescued off Palolem beach in South Goa district, after their kayaks overturned, putting them at risk of drowning.
“With people thronging the beaches of Goa during the festive season, the coast witnessed 81 rescues in 60 separate incidents over the last two weeks by Drishti’s lifeguards. The rescues included several double and triple rescues. Unfortunately one victim succumbed despite efforts to revive him,” said a statement by Drishti Marine, a private beach safety agency hired by the Goa Tourism Ministry to provide lifeguard services on the state’s popular beaches.
“The lifeguards have witnessed an increase in incidents of water sports enthusiasts who indulge in open-sea kayaking, who often have to be rescued after their kayak topples over due to choppy sea conditions. In eight separate incidents which took place off Palolem beach, 12 individuals were rescued by Drishti’s lifesavers,” the statement also said.
In the New Year alone, 39 persons were rescued from drowning, which includes 35 tourists and four local residents.
Most of the rescues were carried out along the immensely popular Calangute-Sinquerim beach stretch in North Goa, followed by Ashwem-Keri beach also in North Goa and the Palolem beach in South Goa.
–IANS
maya/kr