from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Mar 5: Goa saw 89 tourists losing their lives to the vast ocean during last three years, a reply in the state legislative assembly states.

"Total 45 tourists were drowned in the year 2006 while 22 tourists each had drowned during 2004 and 2005 respectively," state tourism minister Dr Wilfred D'Souza stated in a written reply on Monday.

The five-day session of the state legislative assembly session began Monday March 5 afternoon.

The number of tourists drowning in the sea is at higher side compared to the locals. As per the figure submitted on the floor of the house, sixteen locals in the year 2006, fifteen each in 2004 and 2005 died due to drowning.

Goa receives 24 lac tourists every year, out of which 4 lac are from abroad.

Replying to a question about lifeguards, the tourism minister stated that at present there are total nine lifeguards posted at Miramar, Calangute, Baga, Vagator and Colva beach. "Total 22 cases have been reported where lifeguards have saved lives," Dr D'Souza said.

"Shortly, all the beaches will have lifeguards posted after undergoing the required training," he stated.