GOA:
Drishti Maine lifeguards conducted two critical rescue operations involving male Indian tourists at Candolim and Ashvem respectively. The tourists hailed from Mumbai and Lucknow respectively.
On the evening of 14th October at approximately 6.45pm at Ashvem, three Indian tourists ventured into the sea in a non-swim zone. The individuals ventured deeper into the waters when suddenly one of them got caught in a RIP current and got dragged into the sea. Lifeguards Lesslie Rodrigues who was patrolling the stretch, noticed the victims in distress and spread an emergency message over the radio and rushed to the aid of the victim. Immediately a Jetski were launched and back-up called for.
The rescue swimmer Lesslie jumped into the water and secured the victim onto a rescue board first and requested him to follows instructions till the jetski arrived at the spot. Meanwhile lifeguards Shailesh and Hari reached the spot on a jet ski and secured the victims and brought them back to the shore.
On reaching back to shore, one victim was found to be critical as his vitals were found to be weak and he had difficulty in breathing. CPR was administered. The victim threw up a large amount of sea water but remained unconscious. Meanwhile a call was placed to 108 and victim was handed over to medical staff for further treatment. Upon Diagnostic check-up doctors stated that the victim is out of danger.
A similar incident which took place in Candolim the same evening, involving a male tourist hailing from Mumbai who ventured into the sea after 6.00pm. Lifeguard Achini alerted the individual and request him to return to the shore as the sea was rough. Being under the influence of alcohol the tourist refused to return to the shore. A short while later a large wave caught the individual unaware and dragged him into the sea.
Sensing distress lifeguards Achini and Sunil rushed towards the victim, secured him to the board and brought him back to shore. The victim was placed in the recovery position. Despite expelling a large amount of water, the victim experienced breathing difficulty. He was administered oxygen and a call was placed to 108. As the ambulance was busy on another call the lifeguards rushed the victim in the lifeguard jeep to the Candolim Health Centre. Post a check up, doctors referred the victim to GMC for further treatment.
The state government has issued an advisory cautioning visitors not to venture into the sea due to the unfavourable weather and sea conditions. The state has witnessed rough sea conditions and high waves due to the impact of cyclone Luban and Titli. Despite repeated warnings and alerts from lifeguards, tourists continue to not pay heed and venture into the rough seas.
The state appointed lifeguarding agency, Drishti Marine monitor the weather conditions daily and man the beach stretches.
