With Ganesh Chaturthi being celebrated in the state, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifesaver agency has been assisting with immersions and ensuring that they take place in a manner which is safe, keeping in mind the safety of the people. The agency has also offered suggestions on ways to stay safe during immersion celebrations along the coast ahead of the 11 day immersion on Sunday, 19th September
Drishti has planned to have a team of lifesaver’s stationed late into the night at 40 beaches along the coast during the ongoing Ganesh festivities to assist and aid people in the immersion ritual of the idol of Lord Ganesha which generally takes place late in the night. Lifesavers were deployed beyond their regular hour of duty at these 43 identified locations.
Ahead of the 11th day of immersion on Sunday, 19th September, Drishti lifesavers will be deployed at prominent beaches which are – Arambol, Morjim, Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Miramar, Baina, Colva, Palolem
At the designated beaches teams of lifesavers will assist people and ensure they are safe and will assist them to return back to shore safely after the immersion process. In some cases, if the sea conditions are rough, the lifesavers will offer to carry the idol into the deeper areas for immersion after the ceremonial puja takes place.
Drishti requests people to carry out their immersion at the main entry point of the beaches where lifesaver teams will be present or approach the lifesaver tower for assistance.
Drishti especially cautioned adults to keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and to not allow children to venture into the waters under night fall, no matter how shallow it may be. The agency also advises locals and tourists, many of who turn up to watch the festive proceedings, not to enter the waters and most certainly restrain to do so if under the influence of alcohol.
The team has made arrangements to have an additional back-up lifesaver team and vehicles on stand-by in case of any emergency.
Beaches where a team of lifesavers were deployed for the immersion to ensure people stay safe during the Ganesh celebrations. In addition to the 40 beaches, lifesavers were also deployed at Mapusa Tar, Vaddem Lake and Panjim & Betim Ferry point
- Baina
- Bogmallo
- Velsao
- Arrosim
- Hollant
- Majorda
- Utorda
- Betalbatim
- Colva
- Sernabatim
- Dudhsagar
- Benaulim (main beach)
- Benaulim (near Taj Exotica hotel)
- Varca
- Zalor
- Cavelossim
- Mobor
- Betul and Canaguinim
- Agonda
- Cabo De Rama
- Cola
- Palolem
- Patnem
- Rajbagh
- Colamb
- Galgibagh
- Talpona
- Polem
- Kerim
- Arambol
- Morjim
- Ashwem
- Vagator
- Anjuna
- Baga
- Calangute
- Candolim
- Sinquerim
- Coco Beach
- Miramar
- Mapusa Tar
- Vaddem Lake
- Panjim – Betim ferry point