Background Prior 2008 despite Goa Government managing beach safety 200+ deaths were reported annually.

Objective To reduce drowning deaths so that Tourism in Goa is not adversely affected.

Programme Description Government in 2008 outsourced beach safety to Drishti. 7273 lives were saved between 2008–2023 thereby reducing drowning deaths by 99%. Rescue data from Drishti’s Incident Management System is analysed over 4978 incidents and effective drowning prevention measures put in place.

Outcomes and Learnings Data is analysed on nationalities, gender, age group, injury type, most/least risky beach, incident time/month etc. A total of 326 coastal deaths were recorded in Goa over the 15 year period, of which 95 were on the beaches during lifeguard service hours and 231 were related to watersports/fishermen/other incidents and beyond the service of Drishti Lifeguards.

Out of the 326 dead, 273 were Indians and 53 were foreigners. Predominantly, 86% were males and 14% were females. Majority (35%) was in the 19–25 age group.

Out of the 95 deaths, 29% were in a RIP while alcohol was a factor in 72 cases (22%).

Similarly, out of 7273 rescues between 2008–2023, 6075 (83%) were Indians and 1198 (17%) were foreigners. Predominantly, 78% were males and 22% females. Majority 31% was in the 19 - 25 age group.

Other than 7000+ rescues, there were 950 (2008–2023) cases of First Aid/ Assistance to safety. 84 had limb fractures/dislocations. There were 7 spinal, 22 head/neck injury and 96 major breathing issue cases. Remaining had glass cuts/wounds and were minor first aid cases.

Calangute Beach had the maximum 1359 rescues in 922 incidents.

October saw the maximum rescues at 1419.

Implications Any incident on the beach- rescue, drowning or injury affects the victim’s family and makes it a ‘forever’ unsavory memory. Drishti’s operations and data analysis has helped identify high-risk groups and effective preventive measures like AI enabled cameras, dogs for rescue etc are in place so that the community is safeguarded.

Conclusion With nearly 38000 reported drownings (2021–22) in India, there is a need for a National Policy or central body to work towards Drowning prevention in the country.