Goa Lifeguards Conduct Over 600 Rescues in Past Year, Russians Lead Foreign Nationals
Panaji: Lifeguards stationed across Goa's picturesque beaches and the iconic Dudhsagar waterfalls have been performing critical rescue operations at an alarming rate, saving at least one tourist from drowning every single day over the past year. The total number of reported incidents reached 614, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by visitors to this popular coastal destination.
Demographics of Those Rescued
Among those pulled from perilous waters, 450 were Indian nationals while 98 were foreign tourists. Russian visitors topped the list of foreign nationals requiring emergency assistance, with 56 documented cases. They were followed by tourists from the United Kingdom, who accounted for 13 rescues. On the domestic front, visitors hailing from the neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka represented the highest number of Indian tourists saved from drowning along Goa's extensive coastline.
High-Risk Beach Locations
The Baga-Sinquerim coastal stretch emerged as the area with the highest concentration of beach-related drowning incidents. A detailed district-wise breakdown reveals concerning numbers:
North Goa:- Calangute: 103 incidents
- Baga: 68 incidents
- Sinquerim: 61 incidents
- Candolim: 58 incidents
- Colva: 55 incidents
- Palolem: 50 incidents
- Mobor: 38 incidents
- Agonda: 35 incidents
Seasonal Patterns and Peak Months
October recorded the highest number of incidents requiring lifesaver intervention with 67 cases, a surge that coincides with the post-monsoon beach reopening and the traditional onset of Goa's tourism season. Interestingly, December—traditionally Goa's busiest month for tourism—logged the highest overall volume of beach incidents, reflecting the significant strain placed on coastal safety infrastructure during periods of peak visitor footfall.
Beyond Rescues: Comprehensive Lifesaver Services
Navin Awasthi, Chief Executive Officer of Drishti Marine, provided broader context about lifesaver activities. "In 2025, our lifesavers assisted 829 individuals through interventions that extended far beyond water rescues," Awasthi explained. "These included locating missing children, returning lost articles, preventing thefts, and administering crucial first aid for various medical emergencies."
The first aid cases covered a wide spectrum: suspected fractures, heat exhaustion, jellyfish stings, cuts, dehydration incidents, missing persons situations, and even cardiac emergencies. Children and young adults formed a significant proportion of those requiring assistance beyond drowning rescues.
Additional Safety Concerns on Beaches
Missing person incidents involving minors accounted for 97 cases, as children frequently wandered away from their families on crowded beaches. Lifesavers administered first aid to 110 victims for various injuries including cuts from broken glass, other physical injuries, stingray bites, and stray dog bites. Notably, twelve separate incidents involving stray dog bites were reported on Goa's beaches in 2025.
Comparative Beach Safety Records
Among individual beaches, Calangute recorded 85 specific incidents, while Colva topped South Goa with 52 documented cases. At the other end of the spectrum, Dona Paula in North Goa reported just one rescue operation. Similarly, Cola and Zalor beaches in South Goa also recorded one rescue each, representing the lowest incident counts in their respective districts.
This comprehensive data underscores the vital role played by lifeguards in maintaining tourist safety across Goa's coastal areas while highlighting specific risk patterns that both visitors and authorities should note for enhanced safety measures.
