Goa tragedy is a reminder that "operational" doesn't mean safe

By now, you’ve likely read the heartbreaking news about the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane earlier this month. Lives were lost in a venue that was buzzing, popular, and fully operational.

It is a tragic reminder of a dangerous assumption we all make as tourists: We assume that if a place is open for business, someone, somewhere, has checked that it is safe.

We assume the fire exits work. We assume the rental scooter has functional brakes. We assume that if the sea looks inviting, it’s safe to swim.

But in many parts of the world, “operational” just means “open.” It does not mean “inspected.”

The Goa tragedy was not an isolated accident. From boat capsizes in Phuket to scooter accidents in Bali, tourists are often victims of their own assumptions. We can’t stop traveling, and we shouldn’t live in fear. But we need to stop outsourcing our safety entirely to venue owners and local authorities.

Here is how to run a “Safety Audit” on your vacation without killing the vibe.

1. The Venue Check: Don’t Get Trapped

When you walk into a packed club or a basement restaurant, take 10 seconds to scan the room.

The “Stampede” Factor: If you are shoulder-to-shoulder with no clear path to move, that is a red flag. Overcrowding is the number one cause of high fatalities in fires.
The Exit Strategy: Look for the exit signs. Crucially, is the emergency exit blocked? I have seen countless “Emergency Exits” blocked by beer crates or locked with padlocks. If there is only one narrow staircase in and out, finish your drink and leave.
The Decor Risk: That rustic, thatched roof looks great on Instagram, but it is highly flammable. If you see indoor pyrotechnics (sparklers on bottles, fire dancers) near dry decor, you are in a high-risk zone.

2. The “Beach Audit”

The ocean is not a swimming pool. It is wild, unpredictable, and indifferent to your swimming skills.

The Flag Rule: This is non-negotiable. Red Flag = Do Not Enter. Not even knee-deep. A “Yellow Flag” means caution, but if you aren’t a strong swimmer, treat it as a red. But sometimes, flags are not replaced in time. Always look at the waves and ask yourself - is the sea calm?
The Lifeguard Check: Do not swim on a secluded beach if you aren’t a pro. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards are watching. If you don’t see a lifeguard tower, you are on your own.
The Rip Current Test: Look at the water. If you see a gap in the waves where the water looks calm and flat while waves are breaking on either side, do not swim there. That “calm” spot is often a rip current that will pull you out to sea faster than you can swim back.
Darkness: Never swim at night. You lose your orientation, and nobody can see you if you struggle.

3. The Road Rules (That Don’t Exist)

If you come from a country with strict traffic laws, you have “pedestrian privilege” ingrained in your brain. You assume cars will stop. Unlearn this immediately.

The “Pecking Order” Rule: In many countries, the right of way is determined by size. The bus beats the car. The car beats the scooter. The scooter beats you. Do not expect a vehicle to slow down just because you are in a crosswalk.
The Scooter Trap: Renting a scooter in Bali or Thailand is a rite of passage, but it’s also the most common way tourists get injured.
- The Test: Before you rent, check the brakes and tires. If the tires are bald, walk away.
- The Helmet: Never ride without one. It doesn’t matter if the locals aren’t wearing one.
- The Scam: Always video record the bike before you drive off, zooming in on every scratch. This prevents the “you scratched it, you pay” scam upon return.

4. The “Night Owl” Protocol

Walking alone at night in a new city feels romantic, but it requires a different level of alertness.

Digital Breadcrumbs: Never go out at night without sharing your live location (via WhatsApp or Google Maps) with a friend or family member.
The “Confident Walk”: Predators look for confusion. Even if you are lost, walk with purpose. Don’t stand on a dark corner staring at your phone map. Duck into a lit shop to check your bearings.
Ride-Share vs. Street Hailing: Late at night, prioritize apps (Uber, Grab, Bolt) over hailing a random taxi on the street. Apps create a digital record of your driver, your route, and your car plate. A random taxi does not.

5. The “First World” Blindspots

There are invisible safety nets in developed countries that simply don’t exist elsewhere. Stop taking them for granted:

Railings & Balconies: Do not lean your full weight on balcony railings in older hotels or scenic viewpoints. Construction standards vary wildly.
The “911” Assumption: In an emergency, do you even know the local number? It isn’t always 911. (In India it’s 112, in Thailand tourist police is 1155). Save these numbers on your phone before you leave the airport.
The Water: If the locals filter their water, you should too. This applies to ice in your drinks and the water you use to brush your teeth.

Summary: Trust Your Gut

We have evolved for millions of years to sense danger. If a place feels “sketchy,” if the boat looks too rusty, if the driver smells of alcohol, or if the club feels like a trap—listen to that feeling.

It is better to lose a deposit or leave a party early than to be part of a statistic.

Travel far, have fun, but please—stay alert.