Do's and Don’ts for tourists and locals heading to the beach

With summers already begun, the beaches are the best place to beat the heat. Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency, has issued a summer advisory suggesting simple ways to stay safe while at the beach during the heatwave and the hot summer months to follow.

• Always swim in the safe swim zones as marked out by the lifesavers. Always swim between red and yellow flags. Do not venture into the no-swim zones marked with red flags.
• Whenever possible, always swim at a beach which has lifesavers present. There are 22 beaches across South Goa and 17 beaches across the North Goa stretch that are protected by lifesavers. Additionally, lifesavers are posted at Mayem lake and Dudhsagar waterfalls.
• It is best to visit the beach when the lifesavers are on duty between 7:30 am and 6 pm.
• It is advisable to carry caps, umbrellas, sunscreen and a water bottle to save yourselves from dehydration, sunburns and heat-strokes.
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• If a child goes missing, do not panic. Alert a lifesaver immediately
• If you have an encounter with a rip current while swimming. It is best to stay afloat and alert the lifesaver on duty. The lifesavers are constantly monitoring the beach and are trained to identify incidents.
• Never swim alone. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
• Always read and obey the safety signs usually found at the main entrance of the beach.
• Do not attempt to rescue if you see anyone in difficulty if you are not a trained lifesaver. If you are on a beach with lifesavers, contact the nearest lifesaver or approach the lifesaver tower in case of emergency.

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