The monsoons have been going on in Goa for the last two months with another two to go. However, towards the end of last month, there was a slight lull in the monsoons where the days were quite sunny and humid. But the monsoon seems to have returned in full force once more. This has left Drishti with no option but to release another monsoon advisory on not going into the sea.
Drishti releases its second monsoon advisory
An alert from the Meteorological Department has stated that there will be heavy rain and strong winds lashing the state over the next 24 hours. Therefore, it’s best to stay off Goa’s beaches once again and refrain from entering the water. The sea is expected to get even rougher than it already is, resulting in strong currents and high waves between 4 meters to 4.5 meters.
The advisory is for all members of the public. It asks that even the local fishermen avoid going to the open sea for fishing for the next 48 hours. Parents have been advised to ensure that their children are kept out of the water as water currents are expected to vary between the speeds of 87cm/sec to 123 cm/sec.
The Drishti advisory regarding the next 48 hours
In short, the below instructions given by Drishti are to be followed without any doubt even though the lifeguards monitor the weather situation every day very carefully.
- Advisory instructs visitors not to venture into the sea in the next 48 hours due to rough sea and weather conditions.
- Lifeguards are monitoring the weather conditions on a daily basis. The team is trained to carry out rescues even in rough weather
- Cautions adults to keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and do not allow children to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow it may be.
- Fishermen advised not to venture into the sea for the next two days due to high waves and strong currents.
Additional safety tips from Drishti lifeguards when it comes to venturing onto Goa’s beaches
- Those visiting the beach should keep minimum 10 meters away from the waterline and listen to the instructions given by the lifeguards.
- In case of a dry spell or no rainfall, it is advised not to enter into the water above knee level in a swim zone which is marked with a red and yellow flag.
- Keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and do not allow children to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow it may be.
- It is not advisable to venture into the water between 12 noon and 4 pm. The sea is usually very rough in the afternoon because the wind picks up more during this time.
- Avoid choosing a secluded beach which is not manned by a lifeguard. Instead, pick a beach that is surrounded by people and never swim alone. Lifeguards are usually manning these areas.
- Stay alert as lifeguards while patrolling make announcements to alarm and educate people via the Public Address System put up on the jeeps.
- It is not suitable to head out to the beach or venture into the water during lightning and thunders because lightning can pose a danger.
- Do not get onto the rocks during low tide because the rocks get a lot more slippery and mossy during the monsoon season.
- It is not advisable to swim or to engage in any water sports activity at the beach during the monsoons months from June to September because even though the sea may seem calm, a sudden large wave can sneak up on you and pull you into deep waters without warnings.
- If under the influence of alcohol make sure you do not venture into the water.
- Always read and obey the safety signs found at the main entrance of the beach.
Information credit
Drishti Marine
ItsGoa/AUG/KDGP
