Panaji: Govt has called on all departments and stakeholders to adopt a coordinated strategy to prevent drowning incidents along the coastline as well as in the hinterland, with chief secretary V Candavelou stressing that public awareness is one of the most effective tools in reducing drowning incidents.Candavelou chaired a meeting with all stakeholders to review the Goa state action plan for prevention of drowning incidents. Senior officials from various govt departments participated in the meeting to deliberate on the measures to prevent drowning related deaths and injuries across the state.A 25-year-old hotel worker from Manipur drowned after being swept away by a strong wave while attempting to take a selfie at Anjuna beach on Monday evening. This year has already seen 77 deaths due to drowning across the state.The meeting deliberated on key aspects of drowning prevention, including the prevention of children from drowning inside homes, safety measures for swimming pools, prevention of drowning in schools, promotion of swimming as a life-saving skill, and strategies to prevent drowning in urban and rural communities, coastal areas, and water bodies. The importance of safety measures in and around water vessels, as well as the use of appropriate safety aids to prevent drowning-related deaths and injuries, was also discussed.The North Goa disaster management authority has issued an advisory asking citizens and tourists to observe safety measures while playing in the water. Citizens have been asked not to swim, bathe, or venture into rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, beaches, waterfalls or any other water body during the heavy rainfall, flooding, or when water levels are high. “Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, causeways, culverts or submerged pathways. Even shallow flowing water can be extremely dangerous during rains,” stated the advisory.Govt has also asked picnickers to strictly obey warning signs, barricades, red flags, and directions issued by authorities. Parents and guardians have been asked to ensure that children are never left unattended near water bodies.The chief secretary emphasised on the need for a coordinated approach involving all concerned departments to strengthen awareness, preparedness, and preventive measures.It was decided that the awareness material developed by the ministry of health and family welfare be widely circulated to create awareness among the public about drowning prevention.
