Vizag’s beaches are tempting tourist spots but they can prove deadly to the unwary tourist frolicking in the froth. There is really no absolutely safe place to swim on the entire 30 km long beachfront in the city, from the Fishing Harbour to Bheemili. Rip currents near these beaches kill about 40 people every year.
According to the National Institute of Oceanography, the rip current zones in the city are located south of Bheemunipatnam, Yerramatti Dibbalu, Rushikonda (three spots), Sagar Nagar, Tenneti Park, Old Light House area, INS Kursura Museum, opposite Police Mess, RK Beach, Naval Coast Battery, and Yarada. Many young people have lost their lives while swimming in the blue waters of the bay here.
According to the Vizag Crime Records Bureau, drowning deaths have been rising in the city since 2009. Curiously, the majority of these incidents have taken place between April and June every year.
“Rip currents are a common phenomenon at all the beaches in Vizag. The current is very strong particularly in summer.
That’s when Vizag’s beaches are dangerous,” a scientist at NIO said. The institute is conducting research into drowning deaths in Vizag. It will be completed by this year end, the scientist added.