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Goa tourism corporation to post lifeguards to patrol beaches

Special Correspondent

PANAJI: Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDC) is set to join hands with all the stakeholders, including hotel industry, to prevent deaths by drowning in the sea.

The tourist State, which witnessed a big rise in deaths by drowning during the monsoon season, is gearing to prevent a similar situation during the upcoming tourist season, sources said.

GTDC chairperson Fatima de Sa and managing director Sanjeet Rodrigues said on Thursday the GTDC had worked out a "package of measures" to ensure the safety of tourists on the beach.

The two told presspersons after a meeting of board of directors that in the wake of the recent strike of the lifeguards over their service conditions, which brought the issue of deaths by drowning sharply into focus, the State Cabinet has assigned the responsibility of recruiting the lifeguards and guarding the coastline to the GTDC.

Ms. de Sa said 100 lifeguards, including 20 women, would be recruited soon on contract basis. GTDC had been assured of assistance by the tourism industry in terms of infrastructure, obtaining life-saving equipment, making available vehicles for rescue, and storage facilities.

Ralph de Souza, chairman of Goa Travel Tourism Association (GTTA), has assured support of hotels to GTDC in creating awareness, management of tourists in coastal resorts, etc.

Even the shack-owners, the owners of seasonal eateries on beaches, would be trained and roped in to assist in preventing tourists from reaching water as well as life-saving emergencies.

Liquor

While admitting that liberal availability of liquor was linked to tourists taking to unsafe waters, Mr. Rodrigues said: "We have nothing against people taking drinks, etc., preventing such people from rushing to swim plays a major role. It is here that we would be focusing in our joint efforts with all the stakeholders."

The GTDC has planned to identify the danger-zones on the 105 km of coastline with the help of local fishermen and take steps to prevent people from swimming in such zones.

Paryatan Bhavan

Earlier at the board meeting, GTDC approved a project to build "Paryatan Bhavan". Apart from India Tourism, space would be allotted in the building for opening offices of about 15 State tourism corporations on a reciprocal basis.

It would make available a one-stop state-of-the-art facilitation centre for tourists, including booking facilities.

The board finalised plans to build a 40-room-residency on par with three-star category at Palolem beach in south Goa.

With this, GTDC's room capacity at prime locations, including beaches, would go up to 575.

Upgrading beaches

Apart from Palolem Residency, GTDC has decided to upgrade three of its properties at prime beaches of Miramar near here, Kolwa in south Goa and Calangute in north Goa by adding swimming pool facilities.

The Corporation, which by and large, takes care of budget tourist coming to the State, has finalised plans for beautification of some of the tourist spots in the picturesque hinterland with major investment plans.

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Goa tourism corporation to post lifeguards to patrol beaches

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