The Goa Government has said that lifeguards will be posted at all beaches in the State soon.

In a written reply given to a question in the State Assembly on the first day of the budget session on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Wilfred de Souza said the number of tourists who died due to drowning in 2004, 2005 and 2006 was 22, 22 and 45, respectively.

The Minister said there were nine lifeguards posted at Miramar, Calangute, Baga, Vagator (north Goa) and Colva (South Goa) beaches. The beach safety management has been entrusted to the State-owned Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited.

On whether there were any cases claiming compensation in court by relatives of the deceased, and whether there is any guideline on the issue, the Minister said so far no guidelines have been issued by the Government.