Daijiworld Media Network – Margao

Margao, Sep 14: With the tourist season approaching, South Goa authorities have stepped up coastal security, directing lifeguards to maintain 24×7 vigilance along the beach belt, especially on weekends and holidays. Lifeguards have been told to immediately alert their local police station and control room about any drowning, altercation, or suspicious activity.

At a coordination meeting held at the South Goa district police headquarters, district chief Tikam Singh Verma, IPS, along with SDPO Margao Sidhant Shirodkar and Police Inspectors from Colva, Canacona, Vasco, and Mormugao, outlined a series of measures to enhance beach safety and boost police–lifeguard coordination.

Key steps include:

• Nomination of a liaison officer at each police station to work with lifeguard supervisors.
• Creation of dedicated real-time communication groups for quick updates.
• Quarterly joint mock drills with Fire & Emergency Services for better disaster response.

Lifeguards will caution tourists against unsafe swimming, deep-water entry, and alcohol consumption on beaches, and report damaged or missing safety signage. They are also required to maintain first-aid kits, track rescue equipment status, and share a daily incident log with the police for weekly review.

Police Inspectors have been instructed to increase preventive patrolling in vulnerable spots and act swiftly on lifeguard alerts. Plain-clothes officers will conduct random checks to curb narcotics and harassment, while visible police presence will be ensured during sunset and late-night beach activities.

Authorities say the measures aim to safeguard both tourists and locals while ensuring a safe and enjoyable beach experience throughout the high season.