Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
Goa, Jan 1: The installation of a novel floating lifeguard apparatus named ‘Seahorse’ by Drishti Marine, the government-appointed beach safety agency, has sparked opposition from local fishermen, with the Candolim Fishermen’s Association alleging that the structure is being erected without mandatory permissions.
Association president Vincent Fernandes said fishermen were taken by surprise after a jetty-like structure began coming up on Tuesday evening and continued through Wednesday. On seeking clarification from the Captain of Ports (CoP), they were informed that no permission or no-objection certificate (NOC) had been issued for the installation.
“When we questioned Drishti personnel at the site, they told us it was meant for lifesaving activities and to park jet skis. However, all watersports operators usually keep jet skis on the beach. We were never informed about this project. Moreover, it is being erected within a fishing zone,” Fernandes alleged.
Responding to the concerns, a Drishti Marine spokesperson said the structure, known as ‘Seahorse’, is a temporary floating station designed to keep vigil over four popular beaches — Calangute, Candolim, Miramar and Baina. The agency claimed it is a first-of-its-kind floating platform that functions as a fully equipped lifeguard post at sea.
Drishti Marine CEO Navin Awasthi explained that once the Seahorse is floated to a suitable location, its four legs — each around six metres long — can be anchored into the seabed to stabilise the platform. Depending on water depth and tidal conditions, it can be positioned about 20 to 30 metres from the shoreline.
“The Seahorse will significantly reduce emergency response time to under a minute, compared to the current three to five minutes it takes for backup to reach from the shore,” Awasthi said.
Drishti further stated that due to increasing sand erosion making traditional beach watchtowers unstable, these temporary floating stations will act as offshore watchtowers. Each Seahorse unit can accommodate four to six lifesavers and is equipped with a jet ski ramp, rescue boards, surfboards and rescue tubes, enabling better monitoring of swimmers and beachgoers from the sea.
Despite these assurances, fishermen have reiterated their demand for clarity on permissions and consultation, warning that the installation should not disrupt traditional fishing zones or livelihoods.