Prioritise safety of tourists visiting Udupi district: DC

Udupi: DC Swaroopa TK emphasised the importance of prioritising the safety of tourists visiting the district's beaches and other attractions, ensuring that necessary precautions are taken to prevent any mishaps.The DC on Tuesday addressed a meeting focusing on the security measures to be implemented at the beaches. Two persons died after a tourist boat capsized near Hangarkatte shipbuilding area on Monday."Tourists visiting the district often take to the sea on tourist boats to enjoy the scenery. Therefore, all tourist boats must obtain permission from the port, police, coast guard, local authorities, and the tourism dept before venturing into the sea. All tourist boats in the district are required to submit the necessary documentation and register with the tourism dept within 45 days. Boats without permission will not be allowed to operate, and those with permission must renew their licences annually," the DC said.For the safety of tourists, wearing life jackets on boats should be taken seriously. Every tourist must wear a life jacket before entering the sea. Information about using life jackets should be displayed on brochures at popular tourist spots. A pre-recorded audio message stating that the boat will only proceed if everyone is wearing a life jacket should be played on boats. Warning signs should be installed at all tourist locations to alert visitors, she said.A meeting with tourist boat owners should be convened soon to instruct them to obtain the necessary permits. Additionally, workshops should be organised for boat owners and operators to educate them on safety protocols and insurance facilities, with input from resource persons. Lifeguards should also be knowledgeable about life-saving techniques, she added.SP Hariram Shankar, additional DC Abid Gadyal, assistant director of the tourism dept Vindhya NM, and others were present.One more victim diesOne more victim of the Udupi tourist boat tragedy died on Tuesday. The victim is Disha, 23, from Jalapuri, Udayagiri post, Mysuru. With this, the death toll touched three.The boat departed from the Malpe delta beach point and carried 14 passengers at the time of the accident. The tourists had arrived from Saraswathipuram, Mysuru and were working in a call centre. Sindhu, 25, and Shankarappa, 27, from Chamarajanagar, passed away on Monday. Preliminary investigation suggests negligence on the part of the boat operator.