Lifeguards to patrol Goa beaches in night during Ganesh fest

Night patrolling will be conducted by private lifeguards at 42 beaches in Goa during the ten-day Ganesh festival beginning September 13, a private agency stated Tuesday.

The agency, Drishti Marine, said its focus would be to prevent deaths due to drowning during immersion of Ganesh idols in sea.

"Teams of lifeguards will be stationed at 42 beaches for the entire night during the ongoing Ganesh festivities to help people in immersion of idols," the agency spokesman said.

Drishti Marine is a government-appointed agency entrusted with the task of manning the beaches and help people in emergencies.

Lifeguards will be deployed at identified locations from September 13 to 23.

"In instances wherein sea is rough, the lifeguards will offer to carry the idols into deeper areas for immersion," he said.

The agency has appealed to local people as well as tourists to desist from entering sea if drunk.