Panaji, 2025 : Drishti Marine, Goa’s state-appointed lifesaving and rescue agency, has relaunched its community-oriented guided sea-swimming initiative, Sagar Safar, with the aim of familiarising beachgoers with the ocean, helping them overcome fear of open water, and significantly reducing drowning incidents along the state’s coastline.
The programme—conducted daily at 11 am and 4 pm—is currently offered at six major beaches: Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim and Candolim in North Goa, and Benaulim and Colva in South Goa.
Each session, lasting approximately one hour, is supervised by trained lifesavers who guide participants through controlled sea-swimming experiences using buoyancy aids and life jackets. The sessions also include a safety briefing, live demonstrations on recognising rip currents, and an explanation of beach flag systems, ensuring every participant gains practical understanding of essential sea-safety protocols.
Accessible Guidance Through Multiple Touchpoints
Participants can register directly with lifesavers stationed at each beach.
To increase awareness, Drishti Marine has integrated technology-driven communication:
- Real-time announcements via the Aurus AI mobile bot
- QR codes at lifeguard towers and rescue vehicles linking to the Sagar Safar website
These tools help ensure that visitors receive timely updates on session timings and safety advice.
Expanded After Success of ‘Swim With Lifesavers’
Originally launched in 2021 as Swim With Lifesavers, the initiative returns in a more comprehensive format following strong public demand. Past participants—especially first-time swimmers and travellers from inland regions—reported feeling safer, more confident and more informed about sea behaviour after attending the programme.
A Mission to Build Respect, Awareness and Safety
Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine, emphasised that Sagar Safar is more than just a guided swimming experience—it’s a life-saving educational effort.
“The idea is to help people appreciate the ocean while respecting its power. Our lifesavers guide participants through safe techniques, explain flag colours and demonstrate how to identify rip currents. The goal is simple — awareness and confidence,” said Awasthi.
The programme also fosters deeper respect for the lifesavers who protect Goa’s coastline daily and enhances ocean literacy among both residents and tourists.
Year-Round Programme (Except Monsoon)
Sagar Safar sessions will continue all year round, pausing only during the monsoon months when swimming is restricted due to rough seas.
With the relaunch, Drishti Marine aims to encourage safer beach culture and empower swimmers with the skills and confidence needed to enjoy Goa’s waters responsibly.
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