Mekunu cyclone: Swimming banned off Goa for 72 hours

Panaji, May 24 (IANS) In view of the cyclonic storm Mekunu brewing in the southwest Arabian Sea, a private lifeguard agency appointed by the state government on Thursday issued an advisory banning swimming at the Goa's popular beaches for the next 72 hours.

The advisory issued by the Drishti Lifesaving, has asked locals as well as tourists not to venture into the sea or indulge in water-sports because of the rough weather.

"Drishti cautions beachgoers and tourists to not venture into the sea for the next 72 hours owning to rough sea conditions and high speed winds expected. 

"There is a possibility of a surge of waves during the high tide, in the low lying areas of the coast. Drishti advises tourists to avoid venturing into the sea for a swim or water-based recreational activities," the advisory states.

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