“Diving into Danger: Areas Where Swimming is a No-Go”

Visitors to the coastal regions of Uttara Kannada district will no longer be permitted to swim freely on all beaches. The Tourism Department is currently working on designating swimming areas and restricted zones to promote safety. A survey is underway to determine the permissible and prohibited swimming areas, with plans to set up flags and buoys to clarify these zones.

Survey of coastal regions
An official stated, “Following recent drowning incidents, especially in Muradeshwar, the department is taking measures to designate specific swimming areas, areas for water sports, and zones where swimming is entirely prohibited. The beaches with high tourist traffic have already been assessed, and appropriate demarcation will soon be enforced. The department aims to establish safe zones for designated activities.”

Challenges along the shore

The coastal lengths of Karwar, Gokarna, and Muradeshwar are extensive, presenting challenges in effectively monitoring all zones. The simultaneous presence of water sports and swimming in the same area may result in confusion. In response, the department is devising a system to ensure that tourists do not venture into hazardous regions; lifeguards will be stationed to maintain safety.

Gokarna’s Om Beach
“At Gokarna’s Om Beach, designated swimming zones and no-swim zones will be clearly indicated on maps. The department has opted to outsource lifeguard services and equipment to ensure safety. Among the 44 beaches in the district, the top 10 beaches with the most tourist visits will have lifeguard services implemented. A tender for outsourcing lifeguard services will be issued within two weeks. Prioritization will be given to the current lifeguard staff,” remarked Jayant HV, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department.

Tourism management
As part of a series titled ‘Challenges of the Coastal Areas,’ Jayant revealed that surveys are being conducted at the top 10 beaches within the district. Buoys will be installed near swimming zones, with no individuals allowed beyond those designated limits. Lifeguards will also intervene to prevent anyone from crossing safety boundaries. This type of management is already practiced in various foreign countries, he elaborated. “The department has also decided to establish local beach management committees at each beach where tourism activities are active. Currently, there are 10 ‘Tourism Friends’ present on the beaches, and the government has been requested to appoint an additional 50 to assist with guidance. Efforts are in progress to organize all tourism activities under a more structured framework,” Jayant concluded.