No swimming off Goa beaches for next few days

Panaji: A private lifeguard agency appointed by the Goa government on Monday has advised people not to swim in the sea off the state for the next 96 hours in view of heavy rains in the Konkan region.

"Locals as well as tourists have been advised strictly not to venture into the sea or indulge in water sports of any kind over the next 96 hours as the weather and sea conditions are expected to be rough and heavy showers are expected to continue for the next few days," Drishti Lifesaving said in an advisory.

Cautionary red flags have been posted on beaches as a warning.

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains between September 18 and 21.

Goa is one of the country's top beach tourism destinations and attracts more than six million tourists every year.