MANGALURU
In response to the tragic drowning of three students in a resort pool near Ullal, the Tourism Department plans to implement new safety guidelines for all properties with pools or beach access. SR Rashmi, Deputy Director (in-charge), stated that the department will send out instructions to all homestays and resorts, urging them to ensure safety measures are followed, especially in areas with swimming pools or beach access.
Rashmi emphasized the importance of having staff available around the clock, particularly when guests are present. The tragedy might have been preventable if someone had been present at the pool, she said.
The district has about 150 homestays and 130 resorts, many with swimming pools. To improve safety, the department will ensure strict compliance with new safety protocols, including displaying pool depth, providing adequate safety equipment, and hiring trained lifeguards. Additional procedures will also be reviewed to guarantee the safety of tourists.
Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism, highlighted the growing demand for beachside resorts, particularly during peak season when resorts are fully booked by tourists from cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga. Shetty urged authorities to carefully review safety guidelines when granting permits for new resorts and recommended that local panchayats refer safety concerns to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act.
