- Always wear life jacket before boarding the Boat.
- Check passenger capacity while boarding the Boat. Ensure that Tourists/crew on board
is not more than the prescribed capacity.
- The Boat operator should be in sound condition, if found under influence of Liquor
immediately disembark and inform TSET.
"Andaman & Nicobar Islands have many sandy beaches and coral reefs. But only some
of these beaches are supervised for safe swimming, snorkeling and diving. Though
Andaman water is generally safe for swimming and looks inviting, it also has some
potentially dangerous marine animals, which may come in conflict due to mistaken
identity such as prey or to defend their territory. Though such incidents are extremely
rare, visitors are advised to observe the following precautions for a safe and enriching
swimming experience."
Do's
- Find out about safe swimming or diving area from the Tourist Information Center,
Local Tour Operators and Forest Department Staff. Do not swim in Protected Areas
to avoid dangerous animals.
- Look for the safety sign boards. They help you to identify potential dangers.
- Ask a lifeguard on duty for some advice on swimming conditions like local currents,
tides, visibility, and the presence of dangerous marine creatures etc. Swimming
conditions can change quickly, so seek prior advice from a lifeguard before entering
in water in an unpatrolled area.
- Get a friend to swim with you so that you can look out for each other's safety and
get help, if needed. Children should always be supervised by an adult. Avoid swimming
in the dark.
- Raise your hand up for help if you get into trouble in the water. Stay calm and
wave your arm for help.
Don't
- Do not dangle your arms or legs in the water during boat rides.
- Do not swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Shiny jewellery or bright colored clothes resembles fins of small fishes and may
attract predatory fishes. Avoid such accessory or clothing while swimming.
- If you have an open wound, please avoid swimming. Many predatory fish are attracted
to blood odour.
- Avoid diving or swimming amongst school of fish. This may attract predatory fishes
such as sharks.
- Avoid night swimming or diving.
Look out for harmful marine animals
Jelly Fishes : Their sting may cause pain and giddiness. Don’t touch
or play with them. Get ashore if you see a large school of Jelly Fish. In case of
a sting, apply vinegar or an ice pack. Do not rub.
Sharks : Normally present in open sea and some parts of coral reef
areas. Avoid swimming or diving alone and don’t enter the water with open wounds.
Sea Snakes : Some sea snakes are poisonous and are usually recognized
by their paddle-like tail. They can be aggressive if handled or stepped on. Stay
well away from them.
Stone Fish : Present in shallow coral and rocks or camouflaged in mud
and sand. It has venomous dorsal spines and its sting could be lethal. To avoid
sting never walk on coral reef area. Never lift rocks or corals. Wear sturdy sandals
while walking in shallow coastal waters.
Salt water crocodiles : Noticed in creeks, mangrove areas, sheltered
waters and mouths of creeks. Please avoid swimming or diving in these areas. If
you spot a crocodile, get ashore and alert the authorities. Crocodiles also move
large distances in the open sea and can be found in coral reefs as well.