Third: Surf and Sand

There is never a time of day when the beach in anything but beautiful. It is a serene sort of beach, with fine, powdery sand that crunches almost like fresh snow. Waves roll in calmly but underneath lurks some danger to swimmers. Undertow is treacherous and every year, people who can't swim well or who enter the water inebriated drown. The Goa Tourism Department has now hired numerous life guards. Brightly clad in fire engine red outfits, these young men sit on their lookout posts, walky-talky in hand. A jeep, also part of the crew, comes around every so often. I have not seen any of them having to go after a drowning swimmer but I have seen them alert people when they are out too far from shore.

Though walking, sun bathing or playing with the kids in the sand is what most people do, there are a few water sports being offered. There are water scooters for rent and the ever-popular para- sailing. A three minute twirl into the air will set you back 600 Rupees (may be negotiated a little on a slow day). The para-sailing crew is trained and has to have a license to operate. You never go up alone - one of the crew is strapped in with the customer and maneuvers the ropes.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are freely offered by the shacks, in return for your eating-and-drinking business during the time you spend. The waiters set up a table right by the sun bed and bring you any refreshment you want.