Panaji (Goa): A day after issuing instruction on No to glass bottled drinks on the beaches, Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar has stressed on safe swimming in the wake of recent incidents of drowning.

Ajgaonkar on Wednesday stated that he would seriously take up the issue with the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to enact a law that would take strong action and serve as a deterrent against those venturing into the sea for the purpose of swimming in an intoxicated condition.

He said that he is proposing to impress on the government to come out with an ordinance immediately in this matter – if required to – before the new tourist season commences next month.  He further highlighted that  incidents of deaths due to drowning  on the beaches of Goa will  bring a  bad name  to the State and all agencies including the Department  of Tourism have to  act  responsibly  yet  in a tough manner  to ensure the safety of tourists on the beaches.

“Incidentally most of the unfortunate accidents on the beaches like drowning, fights etc have been reported due to consumption of alcohol.  It is also observed that tourists venture into the deep sea in the late hours of the night,” he said following a meeting with representatives from the tourist police force, coastal police and Drishti Lifesaving.

The minister also agreed that tourists should not be allowed to venture into the sea after dark as are the rules for swimming in pools enforced by hotels.

In the meantime, Tourism department has been directed to instruct all shack operators along to erect sign boards   in their respective shacks cautioning tourists from venturing into the sea in an intoxicated condition.

“It was felt that there was need to enhance awareness of the dangers of swimming under the influence of alcohol. I extend  all my support to the  Goa Police,  Coastal police and Drishti Lifesaving with regards to stepping up beach safety and  water patrol,” he said also agreeing to suggestions  for  dedicated  medical  services such as  ambulances for  the beach belt in North and South Goa.

A committee comprising of representatives of all concerned agencies is also being constituted which will meet once a month to review beach safety and water patrol issues.