Jet Ski Operations are Dangerous its Official at Long Last

Goa Herald 27th Feb

Not so sure that the Beach-safety management mechanism will work though.Looks like just a load of pacification.

PANJIM, FEB 26 — The big-time business of water sports in the State seems to have run into troubled waters.

Not because the activity — that involves high-speed boats — is unhealthy or unattractive by any standards, but because it poses a threat to tourists and visitors bathing or swimming in the sea.

While water sports fans are willing to pay any price for the thrills and chills, the Department of Tourism appears to be confronted with increasing complaints of violations and activities beyond prescribed limits.

Director of Tourism Elvis Gomes said, “Almost every week we receive a complaint from tourists — including foreigners — over the nuisance being caused.”

He said inspections revealed that water sports activities were being carried out dangerously close to bathing zones and admitted that the tourist police were unable to act against the violations.

Data furnished by the Tourism Department shows that there are nearly 180 water sports operators offering tourists adventure avenues like speed boating, parasailing and jet-skiing with prices ranging between Rs 200 to Rs 2,000.

It further states that the department is helpless in controlling the increasing interest generated in the business, that spreads from Calangute-Baga in the north right up to Varca in the south.

Gomes, however, unveiled plans of a beach-safety management mechanism for which tenders were floated Tuesday.

“This will take care of the safety aspect, besides the issue of violations,” he said.

The tourism director said that the turn-key solution would zone the beach belt with trained personnel to monitor water sports activities, demarcate bathing zones and be well equipped to handle all kinds of situations.

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Jet Ski Operations are Dangerous its Official at Long Last

they should issue licences to operate motorised watersports. but above all, they should be severely limited, and monitored.

Having seen first hand, (especially around the calangute steps area) the air and water polution caused by these activities, i can speak with some authority!! i personally would like to see it completely banned, anb give the majority some peace and quiet and let everyone breath clean air!!

now i wait for the flak!!!!

BOB

Jet Ski Operations are Dangerous its Official at Long Last

Not from me Bob, I%26#39;m with you !

See, we can agree sometimes :-)

Jeff

Having been to the funeral of our neighbour in Calangute, a 23 year old boy who had only been working on a new parasailing boat for 3 days and fell 200 feet I totally agree more restrictions should be put in place. Where I live, a few years ago, most unfortunately a lady was killed in a sand yachting accident. Our local authority has had a beach safety management team do a report but even after 12 months no sports are allowed on the beach yet. Goa should do the same, until it is shown that all the watersports are 100% safe for the people using them and the people swimming in the sea are not going to be hit by the jet skis and speed boats.

cheers jeff, at least theres 2 of us!!!

BOB

Make that three Bob - I wholeheartedly and colpletely agree - there are much better ways to enjoy one%26#39;s holidays (in my opinion).

woops - should have been completely!