1st time to Goa in approx 11 wks time (not that I'm counting).

Is there anywhere 'safe' to swim in the sea in the Baga area or is it best to exercise caution anywhere in Goa?

GW

I would err on the side of caution anywhere in Goa and be particularly careful with the outgoing tide. Three drownings in Cavelossim last season, including a beach seller and the year before we had the unfortunate experience of witnessing a dead fisherman being pulled from the waves. Drownings have even been known in Palolem, which is considered to be one of Goa's 'safest' beaches.

According to the Herald, there have been 15 deaths this year just on the Calangute/Baga stretch.
On average there is 1 death every other day in the sea off Goa. It is illegal to swim in the sea in the monsoon, and they say you can be swept out even if you go up to your knees. They are now talking about employing beach police to protect tourists. The life guards have been on strike since last week, not that I've EVER seen one, there is a platform by Calangute steps for them to sit on, it's always empty when I've gone past!
Surely putting signs up, or giving leaflets out at hotels or the airport, warning of the dangers, would help. But they are too worried about putting tourists off.
I would never go out of my depth now, too many of the locals have said it's too dangerous, at any time of the year.
Still love the place though
Julie

its so sad, but at least all the HT people will read the dangers and know to be extra careful, i got swept off my meet and i was in just over my knees and a big wave scooted up behind me and carried me right on the the sand in 3 seconds flat! there was nothing i could have done to stop myself going under.... please all take care

It happened to me, I got thrashed by a wave and grazed down the side of my leg and it stung like hell for days. I was more careful after that. You have to be really carefull with your timings of the big waves getting in and out of the water

Cant wait to go though.

I would agree with all thats been said about taking care whilst swimming in Goa, particularly the state of the waves and timing your exit and entrance carefully. I,ve been knocked flying before but have swum in "safe beaches" in Sydney and despite the safe flags flying have often found the conditions much more demanding. To kep the figures in perspective, if you remove the local Indian tourist who normally cant swim and who have usually been on the Kingfishers from the overall figures I think you will find that the numbers of European tourists that drown is comparable with any area in the Med and likely less than the likes of Cyprus Whilst you have to be carefull, I dont think it's necessary to avoid swimming in Goa as long as the seas and conditions are calm, it's just a matter of common sense, theres certainly a lot more people dying on the roads in Goa than ever die in the sea Alan

I agree with all the above posts. We were on Candolim beach just after Christmas and a middle age lady went for a paddle. Unfortunately she stepped out just that little bit too far and got caught by a huge wave. She put her hand down to save herself and landed up with a broken wrist.

She was whisked off to a private hospital and was back within two hours having had x-rays and her wrist set in plaster. There was no waiting and it cost the grand total of 20 pounds. Not a pleasant experience but at least she was able to resume her holiday without any delay.

She told me she would not let it put her off and would visit again.

Bottom line is - be careful and do not go beyond your limit, especially if you are not confident in the water.

Candybabe

Totally agree with former posts, it's all down to common sense and judgement, unfortunately when the beers in the brains not functioning! The Indians have no idea of the dangers of the sea and as most are non swimmers they have no chance, when I'm sat on the beach I forever watch them in the sea, no rescues yet but it's only a matter of time, having said that I swam round the big boat two years ago,wouldn't do it again,not recommended!!!

Gramps is right, it is mainly the domestic tourists that find themselves in difficulty. It's in the Herald today that they are now going to issue warnings through hotels, tour operators, bus companies etc. and even ask room boys to warn guests of the dangers.
I was once bowled over by a huge wave, whilst I was sorting my bikini top out, another wave knocked my over,as I stood up I found myself being photographed by an Indian Learn't my lesson now, I only wear bikini tops with underwires

oh arpora julie you poor thing...but be thankful it wasnt your bikini knickers that were pulled down by the wave force, that has happened to me before in australia rather embarassing!!! thank god i was a lot younger & much more in shape in those days! those bikini knickers with ties at the sides are just not up to the job of withstanding big waves.

Millym,
I did loose the bottoms too, well not literally, but they certainly were not where they should have been
Thankfully I rearrange those first before I stood up
Skimpy bikinis are absolutely not for going in the sea in Goa :lol

First time in Goa my wife dived through a big wave and lost her bottoms! I ran up the beach to get my shorts for her and heard a big cheer as a white backside dived through the next wave. She wears a different style now!!

Another thread about swimming in the sea Shirley.
Quite an old thread, but nothings really changed regarding the sea.
Stay safe!

I lost both top and bottom at xmas i felt really sorry for anyone that might of been watching as i was trying to sort out my top whilst still being under water another wave come and bowled me over taking me top off again i prayed there would not be another wave till i had put me self together, did not go in again

Pip
xxx