Beach tourism activities in Goa stopped as rains arrive

With the arrival of rains today, various beach tourism activities in Goa have been stopped with shacks being dismantled and lifeguards issuing advisory to the visitors against venturing into the sea.
The sea remains rough during the rains making it dangerous for the swimmers to venture in.
The state government has also directed the temporary beach shacks along the shoreline to be dismantled so that they can be re-erected in September, post-monsoons.
"The tourism season 2016-17 draws to a close today. Most of the shack operations have closed and shack structures removed for the season.
"Water sports and other adventure activities have also stopped for the season," State tourism director Menino D'Souza told PTI.

"We are certain that the season has been a successful one for most tourism stakeholders in Goa. The tourism department along with Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is now ready for monsoon tourism and the next four months will be as promising as always," he said.

"The Sunday monsoon trekking expeditions, white water river rafting, monsoon festivals, tours and sightseeing to some of Goa's popular waterfalls will be promoted extensively," the director said.
Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd, a private agency manning the beaches, has issued advisory warning locals as well as the tourist not to venture into the sea.
"We have put up red flags at all the beaches which means that the area is not meant for swimming. It's advisable to steer clear of the high tideline in such circumstances," said P N Pandey, general manager (operations) of Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd.

"Our lifeguards present along the coast are monitoring the surroundings. The team is trained to carry out rescue operations even in rough weather," he said.
The Goa government prohibits swimming in beaches and all water sports activities are stopped during the monsoon season from June to September each year.