Panaji: A group of tourists from Uttarakhand ventured into the waters at Sinquerim beach for a swim on Friday morning, ignoring warnings that the waters were unsafe to swim in. One of the tourists, a 26-year-old man, drowned after a strong retreating wave swept him out.The incident occurred around 6.30am, before Drishti Marine lifeguards began duty.An off-duty lifesaver, Sukhlal Malgandi, noticed the tourists struggling in the waters and rushed to their aid. Carrying a rescue tube, he entered the water and conducted an immediate search for the missing individual. However, rough sea conditions, high waves and poor water visibility severely hampered rescue efforts, preventing further progress.The police were informed of the incident. The body of the victim, identified as Shahid Afridi, eventually washed ashore at Sinquerim beach at 1 pm.The group consisted of a woman and two men from Uttarakhand, aged between 20 and 26 years.Goa is currently experiencing the peak of the southwest monsoon, with strong winds, rough seas and turbulent waters making the coastline unsafe for swimming. Swimming remains prohibited along Goa’s beaches during this period, while a seasonal fishing ban is also in force.Less than a month earlier, a 33-year-old tourist from Karnataka drowned at Baga beach after he ignored his friend’s warnings and sat on rain-slicked rocks.In June, another man from Karnataka almost drowned while scrambling to retrieve an expensive ring that had fallen in the water while he was playing at Calangute waters. The man had to be rescued by Drishti Marine lifesavers.To ensure public safety, Drishti Marine has deployed more than 450 trained lifesavers and beach marshals across the state’s major beaches, waterfalls, and four inland water bodies to respond swiftly to emergencies and assist visitors.