When enjoying Goa’s beaches, beware of rip currents

COASTAL CHARM

Goa’s coastline of over 100 km is predominantly made up of beautiful sandy beaches, which are frequented by thousands of tourists and locals all year long.

TAKE IT SLOW

Spending time at the beach is a delightful and rejuvenating experience. However, it is imperative not to get carried away (literally speaking) when one is in the water.

NO-GO

During the monsoon season, entire beach stretches can be unsafe for swimming. Parts of some beaches such as Harmal, Vagator and Miramar (in North Goa), and Velsao, Majorda and Palolem (in South Goa) have permanent rip current zones, making them unsafe throughout the year.

DECEPTIVE CALM

Rip currents are characterised by calm, smooth waters, and appear fine to an inexperienced swimmer. However, if you enter one, rest assured that you will unwittingly be transported into the open sea in the blink of an eye!

DANGER ZONE

Many people who end up drowning at the beach are victims of such rip currents since they are clueless about the dangers of these currents.

TROUBLE IN PARADISE

Professional lifesavers, Drishti Marine, warns that the sea seems particularly inviting during the blistering Goan summer, but often harbours rip currents, flash currents and underwater currents, that beach-goers need to be cautious about before taking a dip.

RED ALERT

Red flags positioned at specific locations on the beach indicate strong tidal motion or rip current activity. Drishti warns swimmers to steer clear of such ‘no-swim zones’, owing to perilous sea conditions.

YELLOW SIGNAL

Beach zones marked with yellow flags indicate moderate currents, thereby making them safe spots for a swim.

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