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In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

• Clearly displaying pool depths.
• Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
• Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
• Establishing clear pool operating hours.
• Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

Mangaluru: The Ullal police have arrested Manohar, the owner of Vazco Beach Resort, and its manager Bharath in connection with the drowning of three college girls from Mysuru at the resort’s swimming pool on November 17.

City Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal confirmed the arrests, stating that a case has been registered under Section 106 of BNS. The bodies of the victims, all in their twenties, have been handed over to their parents. The women had arrived at the resort for a weekend getaway on November 16.

Following the tragic incident, the resort was sealed by officials led by Mangaluru Assistant Commissioner Harshavardhan. The trade license of the resort, issued on June 13, 2024, has been suspended, and the tourism department has temporarily revoked the resort's registration. These actions prohibit the resort from engaging in any tourism-related activities until further notice.

Someshwara TMC Chief Officer stated that the suspension was due to the resort's failure to implement adequate safety measures, which resulted in the loss of three lives. Further investigations are underway.

Mangaluru is set to witness its largest oncology conference as Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Mangaluru, celebrating its 70th year Platinum Jubilee, hosts the 44th Annual Conference of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROICON 2024). Scheduled from Thursday to December 1, the grand event will take place at the Dr. TMA Pai International Convention Centre.

Dr. B. Unnikrishnan, Dean of KMC Mangaluru, highlighted the conference's scale, stating, “With over 1,800 registrations from India and international delegates, AROICON 2024 marks the largest congregation in the event's history.” The Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI), which boasts more than 5,000 members, brings together top experts, professionals, and researchers in the field of radiation oncology for this prestigious annual conference.

The inaugural ceremony on Friday will feature Dinesh Kumar Shukla, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), as the chief guest, with Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, presiding over the event.

Participants can look forward to an impressive lineup of over 600 research presentations and 150 scientific sessions. The program includes engaging debates, panel discussions, postgraduate quizzes, and other educational activities, aiming to elevate expertise in radiation oncology.

Dr. Dilson Lobo, Joint Organising Secretary, shared that Thursday’s agenda features the Indian College of Radiation Oncology (ICRO) workshop titled IMPACT - Interactive Modules for Problem-based Assessment and Case-based Teaching. “This workshop alone is expected to engage over 400 participants,” he said.

A special highlight of the conference will be the distribution of over 100 awards recognizing exceptional contributions to scientific research, clinical innovation, and education. Additionally, more than 40 trade exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge treatment solutions, providing a platform for innovation and collaboration.

AROICON 2024 promises to be a landmark event, uniting the global oncology community in Mangaluru and underscoring the city's growing importance as a hub for advanced medical education and research.