It warns about skin rashes, sunburns, heat strokes
Panaji: Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency, has issued weather advisory amid rising temperatures and heat waves in Goa.
“According to the IMD, from March 1 till date, the maximum temperature has shot above 36 degree Celsius for a continuous period, and the maximum temperature over Goa is likely to remain 4 to 6 degree Celsius above the normal value,” stated the agency, adding that the advisory is for tourists and locals heading to the beach to get some respite from the heat and cool off in the sea.
The summer advisory has suggested simple ways to stay safe while at the beach, during the heat wave and the hot summer months to follow.
Drishti’s 450-odd lifesaving force man Goa’s beaches throughout the year.
“Owing to the present sea conditions, it is advisable to swim between the flags marked in red and yellow as they indicate moderate surf and currents while strictly avoiding the red flag areas which indicate the non-swim zones,” the agency advised.
“A beach umbrella is ideal to protect oneself from the sun’s direct heat, while keeping oneself hydrated by drinking plenty of water is necessary,” it maintained, pointing out that it is advisable to carry sunscreen in order to protect oneself from sunburns and heat-strokes.
The agency also observed that the blue sea is tempting during the sweltering summers, however, the seemingly calm waves may have rip currents, flash currents and underwater currents that the beachgoers need to be cautious about before taking a dip into the sea.
“The team of lifesavers present along the coast are monitoring the surroundings and are trained to carry out rescues in the rough sea conditions,” it added.
Navin Awasthi, operations head at Drishti Marine said, “The scorching heat also can be the cause of skin rashes, sunburns, and heat strokes, and therefore it is important to make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day and try to avoid being in direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 p.m. when the rays are the harshest.” “There are 35 lifesaver towers spread across Goa and in case of any injury, it is best for the beach goers to approach a lifesaver as each lifesaver tower is equipped with a first-aid kit,” he added.
Showers likely
Panaji: After enduring the scorching sun for weeks, Goa is likely to get some respite as rains are expected from mid-March.
According to the extended range forecast of the India Meteorological Department, rainfall is likely from March 15 to March 23 while the day and night temperature will remain 2-4°C lower than normal.
The rains are likely to arrive at a time when temperatures have been on the higher side since beginning of March, with the average maximum temperature being 36.9 degrees Celsius, which is 4.4 degree Celsius above normal which is the second highest since 2013, the IMD official said.
Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in the capital city, which was 36 degrees Celsius on Friday, is likely to plunge to 35 degrees Celsius over the next six days, according to an IMD forecast issued early on Friday.
The minimum temperature, which was 21.5 degrees Celsius early on Friday, is also likely to rise over the next six days. It could go up to around 22-23 degrees Celsius until March 16, as per the forecast.