Tourists Still Entering Deep Sea Waters In Spite of DC’s Ban
Mangaluru: Even in spite of warning signs posted near all the beaches in DK not to swim in the deep sea waters when the tides are high- and even when the life guards warn tourists not to get into the rough sea water- Still tourists being ignorant enter the deep sea water and later face the consequences- either they will be saved by the lifeguards or fishermen if they are lucky or they’ll get drowned. Due to the recent incidents of youngsters getting drowned and losing their precious lives, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr K.G. Jagadeesha has barred tourists and other people, except traditional fishermen, from getting into the sea at various beaches in Mangaluru until August-end. This rule applies to beaches in Ullal, Someshwara, Mogaveerapatna, Panambur, Tannirbavi, Sasihitlu and Surathkal.
In an order, passed by the DC, he had stated “that tourists and others visiting beaches should follow the instructions of Home Guards, the police and tourist guides. They should not enter the danger zones marked on the beaches. Tourist guides and Home Guards have been empowered to hand over such persons who violated the order to the nearest police station. If anybody violated the order, action would be taken against them under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code, 1973”. But the order is not applicable to traditional fishermen.
Regarding the drowning of two tourists at Ullal beach few weeks ago, it is learnt that ignoring the advice given by lifeguards on the beach, a 10-member team of tourists got into the sea, and two of them were drowned. In another incident near Sasihitlu that took place recently, three persons, including a physical education teacher, were drowned when their country boat capsized near the mouth of the Shambhavi-Nandini. So in order to prevent such tragic accidents taking place during the monsoon when the sea waters are rough, the DC had taken this decision of banning tourists getting into water. It is noted that tourists from North Karnataka, including those from Bengaluru get too excited when they see the blue sea water, and jump into it without realizing the danger that may follow.
But even though strict rules have been implemented where the visitors enter through the main entrance of Panambur, Ullal or Tannirbhavi Beaches, where security guards are posted, warning signs posted, and area barricaded- but few visitors are still spotted on the beaches where they enter through other small entrances. During the weekend we had camped at the Forest guest house near Tannirbhavi, and I witnessed bunch of tourists who had come to ‘tree park’ – Tannirbavi, entering the deep waters, amidst rough waves, and also when the weather was bad. There were no warning signs posted nor there were any guards or security to alert these tourists.
Two men who had come down from Shivamogga were seen enjoying in the rough waves, and also praying to “Sun God” to bring them luck and prosperity, I guess? (see photo in report). While doing so, they were simply ignoring the rough waves coming at them- praying is okay, but take care of your lives first, jerks?. Luckily they are still alive- and they went home safely after I mentioned them of the ban, which they were not aware of. Oh well! Few meters away, there were two other jerks, talking on their smart phones while being in the water- and ignoring the gushing waves. Just wondering whether talking on the phone is more important or taking extreme caution of the rough waves which may carry them away resulting in death. After I alerted them about the ban, they too packed their bags and left.
Then there were a bunch of youngsters engaged in selfie spree, even though the weather was bad and the waves were hitting hard towards the shore. Why are people so ignorant when it comes to the safety of their lives, especially when they venture into deep sea waters. My humble request to DC and the authorities at the beaches to also see that smaller entrances to beaches are also guarded by security personnel so that no lives are lost at these locations. Thank you!