Goa, India – In a devastating turn of events, four friends lost their lives after being swept away by a wave in the beaches of goa while attempting a group selfie atop natural caves at querim Beach in North Goa. Despite the “No Selfies Allowed” sign, they disregarded the warning and ventured to a rocky area for their photo session, only to be overwhelmed by the force of the sea. Among the victims, three were minors, making the incident even more heart-wrenching. As a response to this tragic event and a commitment to preventing such incidents in the future, Goa has embarked on a series of new initiatives to enhance beach safety and reduce casualties.
The coastal state of Goa, renowned as a popular tourist destination, attracts a significant number of visitors from both within the country and abroad each year. However, the allure of picturesque settings and the desire for a perfect selfie have occasionally overshadowed the importance of personal safety. In an effort to address this issue, the Goa government has partnered with Drishti Marine, a government-appointed private lifeguard organization, to implement innovative measures aimed at minimizing beach accidents and ensuring the well-being of beachgoers.
One such initiative involves the introduction of a team of highly trained dogs, aptly named “Paw Squarty.” This team comprises 11 dogs, aged between 11 and 19 months, consisting of nine Indian Mongrels, one Labrador, and one mixed breed. The dogs undergo an intensive 26-month training program that encompasses swimming, distress detection, rescue techniques, and search and rescue operations, specifically in challenging rocky areas. Once fully trained, these canine heroes will be stationed at beaches with high traffic and deeper seas, as well as less crowded stretches of coastline.
Arjun Shan Moira, a dog training expert, highlighted the invaluable contributions of these four-legged lifeguards. Moira emphasized the dogs’ exceptional abilities in surf rescues, rocky area rescues, and locating missing children on beaches. He explained, “Dogs possess a survival instinct that enables them to navigate a safe path back to shore while towing a victim, ultimately reducing rescue time and effort.”
Equipped with bells and rescue tubes, the dogs are trained to locate individuals in distress in the water, swim to them, secure the rescue tube, and guide the victim back to safety. Each dog receives specialized training from experienced handlers, ensuring their readiness for the crucial task at hand.
Trained with bells and rescue tubes, these dogs possess the skills to identify people in peril, swim towards them, secure the rescue tube, and safely escort them back to shore. Under the guidance of experienced handlers, each dog undergoes specialized training to ensure their preparedness for this vital mission.
In addition to the introduction of the dog squad, the state government and Drishti Marine are leveraging the power of technology to enhance beach safety. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are being implemented to assist lifeguards in monitoring and rescue operations. These AI-driven solutions enable real-time monitoring of beaches conditions, detection of potential dangers, and prompt response to emergencies. By combining human expertise with advanced technology, the aim is to create a robust safety net along the coastline of Goa.
However, these new initiatives face challenges that require cooperation from beachgoers themselves. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their safety and adhere to beach safety guidelines. Activities such as swimming while under the influence of alcohol or venturing into areas explicitly marked as unsafe for the sake of capturing the perfect selfie must be avoided. The tragic deaths of the four friends serve as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible and cautious behavior while enjoying Goa’s stunning beaches.
According to data compiled by drishti Marine, a total of 92 drowning incidents and 5,565 successful rescues have been recorded in Goa’s waters since 2008. Alarmingly, 43 of these incidents occurred within the past six years alone, indicating a concerning trend. Earlier this month, a Russian tourist also lost their life while swimming at Querim beach, the same location where the recent tragedy unfolded
Nevertheless, amidst these proactive measures, the cooperation of visitors remains essential. Individuals must prioritize their safety, avoid swimming while intoxicated, and refrain from visiting areas clearly marked as unsafe for the sake of capturing the perfect selfie.
Goa, with its vibrant culture and picturesque beaches, attracts a significant number of tourists annually, both domestically and internationally. As the monsoon season approaches and sea currents intensify, the government’s commitment to beach safety is crucial in preserving the well-being of both residents and tourists.
By proactively implementing these new initiatives, Goa aims to eliminate drowning incidents and ensure
