Goa’s Lifeguard agency gears up for incident-free immersion of Ganesh idols

Last updated Sep 12, 2018

NP NEWS NETWORK

Panaji

With Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations around the corner, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency, is gearing up to ensure that the immersions take place keeping in mind the safety of the people.

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In a press note released here, the spokesman of the agency has said that Drishti has planned to have a team of lifeguards stationed all night at 42 beaches along the coast during the ongoing Ganesh festivities to assist and aid people in the immersion ritual of the idol of Lord Ganesh which generally takes place late in the night.

The Lifeguards will be deployed beyond their regular hour of duty at these 28 identified locations between September 13-23, 2018.

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At the designated beaches teams of lifeguards 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 lifeguards will offer to carry the idol into the deeper areas for immersion after the ceremonial worship takes place.

Drishti requests people to carry out their immersion at the main entry point of the beaches where lifeguarding teams will be present or approach the lifeguard 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 nightfall, 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 spokesman said.

The team has made arrangements to have an additional backup lifeguard team and vehicles on standby in case of an emergency.