Calangute, Goa – In a bold step to address the rising tide of alcohol-fueled incidents on its shores, Goa’s primary lifesaving agency, Drishti Marine, has initiated specialized training for lifeguards deployed at Calangute Beach. With thousands flocking to this hotspot every month, especially during long weekends and festive periods, lifeguards now face a new challenge: managing the growing number of intoxicated tourists putting themselves—and others—at risk in the water.

A Change in Approach

Traditionally, lifeguard training in Goa has focused on water rescues, CPR, and first aid. But recent trends have prompted authorities to think beyond the waves. Now, Drishti Marine’s lifesavers are being trained in behavioral response techniques, de-escalation tactics, and alcohol-related medical emergencies.

“This isn’t just about saving someone from drowning anymore,” said a senior operations officer from Drishti Marine. “We are increasingly seeing cases where tourists, under the influence of alcohol, refuse to listen to warnings, enter restricted zones, or even become aggressive. Our teams need to know how to respond calmly, effectively, and without provoking further conflict.”

Why Calangute?

Calangute, known as the “Queen of Beaches” in Goa, attracts thousands daily during the season. With its beach shacks, clubs, cheap alcohol, and wide sandy stretch, it’s a natural magnet for party-goers. However, it has also become the leading location in Goa for water rescues and safety incidents—many of them alcohol-related.

According to data provided by Drishti Marine, a significant percentage of rescue cases involve tourists who were either visibly drunk or admitted to consuming alcohol before entering the water. Some disregard red-flag warnings, while others enter the sea in the early hours when lifeguards are not fully stationed.

In one widely reported incident earlier this year, a group of six young men—believed to be under the influence—entered the sea before sunrise. Despite repeated warnings, they ventured far from the shore and were caught in a rip current. Fortunately, lifeguards spotted them and responded in time, pulling them back to safety. No casualties occurred, but the event served as a wake-up call.

Inside the Training

The upgraded training modules are designed to address these real-world scenarios. Here’s what’s included:

• Alcohol Impairment Recognition: Lifeguards are trained to spot early signs of intoxication, such as disorientation, impaired coordination, or slurred speech—especially in cases where tourists are attempting to swim or engage in water sports.
• Communication Strategies: Rather than confrontational tactics, the training emphasizes calm, respectful language and techniques to encourage compliance without escalating tensions.
• Conflict De-escalation: Teams learn how to manage verbally abusive or uncooperative tourists, particularly in situations where public safety is at stake. Training also covers when and how to call in police or medical professionals.
• Handling Medical Emergencies: Severe intoxication can lead to dehydration, vomiting, unconsciousness, or even alcohol poisoning. Lifeguards are being equipped to assess and manage such situations until help arrives.
• Working with Local Law Enforcement: In cases involving public disturbances or potential threats, lifeguards are encouraged to cooperate closely with the nearest police outposts and beach patrols.

Public Response

Tourism operators, shack owners, and long-time beachgoers have welcomed the move.

“It’s good to see that safety is being prioritized,” said Ramesh Naik, a local shack owner who has worked on Calangute beach for over 15 years. “We’ve all seen drunk tourists walk straight into the water like nothing will happen. When something goes wrong, the lifeguards are the first to respond. This training will definitely help.”

However, some stakeholders believe more needs to be done, especially on the awareness front. “The signs and flags are there, but many tourists don’t understand them or just ignore them,” said Priya D’Souza, a local tour operator. “We should consider putting up multi-language safety videos in hotels, or maybe using influencers to push beach safety tips.”

Ongoing Challenges

While the training is a positive step, experts agree it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Among the lingering challenges:

• Limited Staff During Off-Hours: Many incidents happen early in the morning or late at night, when lifeguard staffing is minimal or absent.
• Unregulated Alcohol Sales: Easy access to cheap liquor near the beach adds to the problem, as tourists often drink heavily before or during their beach visit.
• Tourist Apathy: Despite awareness campaigns, many tourists still treat warnings lightly. Peer pressure, bravado, and social media antics often lead them to take unnecessary risks.
• Language Barriers: With visitors from all over India and abroad, lifeguards sometimes struggle to communicate effectively in urgent situations.

Looking Ahead

Drishti Marine has stated that the training will not be a one-time initiative. The modules will evolve with changing beach dynamics, and refresher courses will be held regularly. The agency also plans to extend the program to other high-traffic beaches such as Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem, depending on outcomes at Calangute.

“We cannot control people’s choices,” a Drishti representative said, “but we can prepare our teams to respond better when those choices turn dangerous.”

For the average tourist, the message is simple: enjoy the beach, respect the flags, and don’t underestimate the power of the sea—or the effect of alcohol near water. As Goa’s iconic coastline continues to draw millions, the state’s commitment to safety is becoming just as prominent as its sunsets.