Live The Beach Life, Albeit Safely

Be it rain or sunshine, one cannot stay away from the beach in Goa. While you do that, we share with you some beach safety tips, to make your beach outing more memorable.

- Samuel Pereira

ON a recent night, the night sky opened up and the heavens poured out. However, these pre monsoon showers have done very little to stop the sweat that trickles down our backs on an hourly basis.

The solution? Head out to the beach instead. Goa is known for its 101 km long coastline which is lined with picture perfect beaches and ever so tempting waters coaxing you to come and take a dip. Spending time at the beach and enjoying the sea breeze, sand and surf along with friends and family is an ideal option. However, one needs to be cautious too. To the untrained eyes, the water may seem calm, but beneath the waves lies underwater currents, rip currents and flash currents. Stay safe this season and take heed of the valuable advice dished out by Goa’s lifeguards.

Avoid visiting the beach during the sun’s peak hours of 11am to 4pm when the heat is the strongest. Slather sun block on yourselves and your children, drink lots of water and ensure you have shade, like a cap or an umbrella and save yourselves from sunburns and heat-strokes. Pick a spot which is guarded by lifeguards. While picnics on the beach bring together family and friends over a meal and a breath-taking view; downing a couple of pints followed by a heavy meal will make it difficult for you to swim. It’s best to head into the sea for a swim an hour after a hearty meal. Swim between the flags marked in red and yellow as they indicate moderate surf and currents ideal for people of all ages.