Soon, all-women rescue teams at Dubai beaches

Dubai - Currently, 12 women are being trained to respond to emergencies.

All-women rescue teams will soon be introduced at Dubai beaches for the first time, the police announced on Wednesday. Currently, 12 women are being trained to respond to emergencies, with the police planning to increase the number to 18 by the end of the year.
This was revealed during a Press conference held to announce the launch of a beach safety campaign by the police's General Department for Community Happiness in cooperation with the Dubai Municipality.
Major-General Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani Harib, Director of the General Department of Airport Security and Entries, said Dubai beaches attract a large number of visitors and tourists annually. "The two-month campaign will see multiple government entities come together to reduce all kinds of negative practices, including crime," he said.
The idea is to not only prevent drowning cases, but to also fight cases like theft and harassment of beach-goers.
Brigadier-General Abdul Qader Mohammed Al Bannai, Director of the Port Police Station, said six people drowned in the first six months of this year.
Brigadier-General Ahmed Thani bin Ghalaita, Director-General of the Dubai Police Stations Authority, said the aim is to reduce the number of drowning cases to zero this summer. "300 people were rescued from drowning in the first half of this year," he said. Of these, majority were aged between 25 and 55 years.
Another top official said work is underway to launch the first set of marine ambulances. He revealed that eight points have been specified at which these ambulances will be stationed.
Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Director of Environment Department at the Dubai Municipality, said the civic body has in place nine rescue stations. "Through our electronic platforms, beach-goers can check the condition of the seas and other relevant details."
amira@khaleejtimes.com

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