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Drishti Marine Lifesavers Deployed at 47 Locations Across Goa for Ganesh Visarjan Safety

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 2025: As Goa prepares to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, the state’s lifesaving agency, Drishti Marine, has announced its deployment strategy to ensure safe idol immersions across the coastal state.

A total of 47 visarjan points — including 35 beaches and 12 inland water bodies — will be manned by trained lifesavers on all designated immersion days: August 28, 31 and September 2, 4, 6, and 17 (21st day visarjan). The deployment is part of a coordinated effort with the state government to manage public safety and support law and order during one of Goa’s most widely celebrated festivals.
Lifesaving teams will be present at immersion points with known risks due to strong sea currents or limited visibility at night. These lifesavers will guide families through the immersion process, helping carry idols into the water where required and preventing accidents in high-risk zones.

“Safety is our priority,” said Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine. “Our lifesavers will be present late into the night to ensure that the immersion process is smooth and safe. Since the sea is still officially closed for swimming during this period, we urge everyone to follow lifesaver instructions and avoid venturing into rough waters.”

Key Deployment Points
Some of the major beach locations include Calangute, Candolim, Miramar, Benaulim, Palolem, Morjim, Vagator, and Baga. Inland locations like Mapusa Tar, Panaji ferry point, Cumbarjua ferry, and Aldona pond will also have lifesavers posted in coordination with local panchayats and public organisations.

Prepared for Emergencies
Drishti Marine has also arranged standby teams and support vehicles for quick response in case of emergency. Each site will have between two to six lifesavers, depending on the crowd size and the location’s risk profile.

Public Advisory
The agency has issued a reminder for families to:

  • Use only designated entry points for immersion
  • Follow all instructions from lifesavers
  • Closely monitor children, especially after dark
  • Avoid non-designated or risky areas, no matter how shallow the water appears

As thousands gather to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, Drishti Marine’s lifesavers will remain a steady and watchful presence — ensuring that the spirit of celebration continues safely across Goa’s coasts and water bodies.

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Goa Beaches to Now Have Demarcated Zones for Safe Swimming: Drishti Marine 

allycaralgoa

~ Safe swim zones have been divided into three categories: for families, men and women.
~ 40 safe swim zones have already been demarcated across 10 popular beaches; 25 more swim zones to be created soon. Goa to feature 100+ swim zones during peak season

Panaji, April 2025 — To enhance beach safety, Drishti Marine, the state government-appointed lifesaving agency, is in the process of demarcating 65 swim zones (SZs) along Goa’s popular beaches, with 40 already in place across 10 beaches, including the Calangute, Baga, Arambol and Colva stretches. The state to feature 100+ swim zones during peak season.

The initiative aims to create clearly designated swimming areas, reducing risks posed by strong currents, streamline movement of water sports vehicles and for better vigilance and monitoring of swimmers. 

Swim zones have been set up at ten beaches: Arambol, Morjim, Baga, Calangute, Miramar, Baina, Bogmalo, Colva, Baga-2 and Ashvem. Each zone features partition moorings to ensure clear demarcation for safe swimming.Proper signage will be installed at all swim zone sites for clarity.

Currently, a total of 40 swim zones have been established, each divided into three separate demarcated areas (depending on the quantum of footfalls received): one each for families, men and one dedicated exclusively to women. 

“Additional safety measures include the installation of speakers to provide real-time safety announcements and warnings. Water sports activities are prohibited in these swim zones in order to prevent any potential mishap. In case of rough sea conditions, red flags are erected to denote that beach swimming is not allowed,” said Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine. Public announcement systems have been installed at Miramar, Bogmalo, Colva and Baga beaches.

Awasthi also noted that the concept of a dedicated women’s swim zone was introduced in order to ensure additional safety and comfort of women on the beaches. “Everyone should have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting Goa’s beaches and stepping into the water for a swim,” he added. 

Plans are underway to further strengthen safety measures with the introduction of 25 additional swim zones along other beaches. Over 100+ swim zones will be erected during the peak season. These initiatives align with Drishti Marine’s ongoing efforts to enhance coastal safety and ensure a secure environment for beachgoers, reinforcing Goa’s commitment to responsible tourism and public safety.