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Caution Urged As Seas Turn Rough

Brigadier Saleh Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Ajman Civil Defence, said beach conditions during winter could be dangerous.

“During this part of the year the weather seems to be unpredictable and people should be quite aware that during winter season the beaches witness invisible waves that are comparatively higher compared to other seasons,” 
he said.

In case a drowning incident is reported during high tidal waves, rescue operations can be difficult and could endanger the life of rescuers as well, Al Matrooshi pointed out.

He cautioned beachgoers against swimming at all this week due to a weather change which was making the seas rough.

“To avoid fatal accidents people planning to swim should not go very far from the shore and they should know that the waves can easily drift them away into the sea and they can drown in deep water,” Al Matrooshi said.

He said Ajman beach has huge signboards placed in areas witnessing high tidal waves to caution people against swimming in those areas, and red flags had been placed on Ajman corniche.

“People should always swim in the areas where it is clearly mentioned that swimming is allowed and should never think of swimming in other unauthorised areas as they will risk their lives. People should also abide by instructions on the signboards that clearly tell beachgoers whether swimming is allowed on the particular day.” he warned.

“During the days when swimming is safe, swimmers must ensure they choose a swimming area where lifeguards are present in the watch tower. In case of an accident, the lifeguards can immediately rescue swimmers before it is too late.”

Four life guards are working all week long from 7.30am until sunset at the 2.5-km-long Ajman beach.

When asked about the main reason of the occurrence of drowning incidents, he said the majority of the cases occur due to swimmers negligence and non-adherence of rules and their insistence to swim on the days when swimming is prohibited due to high tides.

A senior Sharjah Police officer said beach-goers had been repeatedly warned against swimming these days, especially in areas where there are strong currents.

“In coordination with other authorities concerned, we have placed warning boards, but to no avail as people continue to swim in dangerous areas,” the officer said.

“Last year, 16 people drowned in the emirate,” he said.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

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