In a tragic series of events, Goa has witnessed four drowning incidents involving young children in just nine days, raising serious concerns about water safety in the region. The latest incidents, which occurred over the weekend, involved an 8-year-old girl who drowned in a canal in Quepem and a 3-year-old girl who lost her life in a swimming pool in Agonda. These heartbreaking events have ignited discussions about the urgent need for enhanced safety measures around water bodies across the state.
On Sunday evening, May 4, 2025, Shahad, the 8-year-old girl, was attending a wedding celebration with her family near the Selaulim Canal at Padamol-Sirvoi. Around 6:30 p.m., she informed her mother that she was going to wash her legs in the canal. When she did not return an hour later, her family began to search for her and tragically found her lifeless body a short distance from the venue. The Quepem police promptly responded, conducting a panchanama at the scene and sending her body to the District Hospital in Margao for a post-mortem examination. This incident marks the fifth drowning in the Selaulim Canal in just two years, highlighting the persistent dangers associated with this water body.
In another tragic incident, a 3-year-old girl from South Delhi drowned in a swimming pool at a resort in Agonda on Monday, May 5, 2025. The child had accompanied her parents for lunch at the resort and is believed to have wandered off unnoticed toward the pool, where she accidentally fell in. Despite being rushed to the Canacona Community Health Centre, she was declared dead on arrival. A panchanama was conducted by the police, and her body was sent to the South Goa District Hospital in Margao for an autopsy.
These two incidents follow closely on the heels of a drowning that occurred on May 5, when a 6-year-old girl from Noida drowned in the sea at Baga, and another incident on April 26, when a 5-year-old girl drowned in a swimming pool at a hotel in Arpora. The frequency of these tragic events has alarmed both residents and safety advocates, who are now calling for immediate action.
Earlier cases further illustrate the dangers associated with the Selaulim Canal. On March 30, 2025, a 57-year-old man named Prakash Gaonkar drowned in Cotarli-Sanguem. Additionally, two toddlers, Rehan Shrittey (13 months) and Wahid Hashmi (16 months), drowned while playing near their home in Carremoddi-Curchorem in February 2024. In February 2023, Suresh Jadhav, a 13-year-old boy, drowned while bathing in the canal with a sibling. The tragic pattern of drownings has led to growing calls for the Goa government to implement better safety measures.
Local residents and safety advocates are urging officials to consider implementing fencing around canals and pools, installing warning signage, establishing mandatory lifeguard presence at tourist resorts and beaches, and launching awareness campaigns aimed at families visiting the area. Without prompt and effective safety measures, community members fear that these tragic drownings may continue to rise, turning Goa's picturesque waters into perilous hazards for its youngest residents and visitors.
The recent incidents have also sparked a broader conversation about water safety in Goa, especially as the tourist season comes to a close. Many families visit Goa during this period, and the emotional toll of losing children to drowning incidents is profound. As one local observer noted, "If attention was paid to safety, such incidents could have been avoided." This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among residents who believe that health and safety should be a priority in a region known for its beautiful beaches and abundant water activities.
Despite the presence of lifeguards on beaches, concerns have been raised about their ability to monitor all visitors, particularly during peak tourist times. The sheer number of people can make it challenging for lifeguards to keep a close watch on children, who are often expected to be under parental supervision. This oversight is critical, as even a moment of inattention can lead to disaster.
Furthermore, swimming pools in hotels or resorts must have dedicated attendants capable of supervising children and ensuring their safety while enjoying the water. The absence of such measures can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in the recent incidents.
One local commentator emphasized the importance of safety protocols, stating, "Wearing a life vest when going into the sea or when playing in a swimming pool should be mandatory, whether the environment is new or not." This call for mandatory life vests reflects a growing recognition that safety norms must be adhered to in order to prevent further tragedies.
The recent drowning incidents have left a dark cloud over Goa's tourism industry, which has been striving to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholders in the tourism sector must prioritize safety measures to protect visitors and residents alike. As the state prepares for the next tourist season, it is crucial that lessons are learned from these tragedies to prevent future loss of life.
In light of these events, it is clear that the time for action is now. The state government and tourism stakeholders must work collaboratively to implement effective safety measures and raise awareness about the importance of water safety. The tragic loss of young lives serves as a stark reminder that safety cannot be taken lightly, and it is the responsibility of all involved to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
Ultimately, the emphasis on safety must extend beyond mere regulations; it should be ingrained in the culture of tourism in Goa. As families flock to the state for leisure and enjoyment, the focus must shift to creating an environment where safety is paramount, ensuring that no more families have to endure the heartache of losing a child to drowning.
