The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next couple of days putting Goa and the Konkan region on ‘red alert’. The MET Department has warned the state to be ready for any eventuality. The department has predicted that between 18th and 21th September heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places across the state.
Owing to the warning issued by the MET department Drishti Lifesaving, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency has issued an advisory cautioning locals as well as the tourists strictly not to venture into the sea or indulge in water sports of any kind over the next 96 hours as the weather and sea conditions are expected to be rough and heavy showers are expected to continue for the next few days.
Drishti’s 600 -strong lifeguard force man Goa’s beaches through the year. Owing to the present weather conditions, red flags have been posted across all beaches under Drishti’s surveillance indicating that these are strictly non-swim zones. It’s advisable to steer clear of the high tide line in such circumstances. Even wading into the sea can be risky.
The team of lifeguards present along the coast are monitoring the surroundings. In case of an eventuality, the team is trained to carry out rescues even in rough weather.
The Goa government shuts down the beaches for swimming and all water sports activities during the monsoon months from June to September each year as the sea during this season tends to be extremely rough and choppy.