Check out for instructions before entering water in Sharjah

Sharjah - 'Families are urged to follow instructions in the signboards to avoid drowning accidents'

As many as 20 people drowned on beaches in the emirate since August, according to the Sharjah Police.

Authorities have urged the public to be cautious to avoid beach accidents like jet ski crashes and being pulled by water currents. A Sharjah Police official said the police are keen on security at the beaches, especially during the outing season.

"Residents should adhere to guidelines, especially during unstable weather and high currents. Warning signs on the beaches are set to alert beachgoers about potential risks and dangerous areas for swimming. Families are urged to follow instructions in the signboards to avoid drowning accidents," he said.

Lt-Col Rashid bin Sandal, director of the rescue department at the Sharjah Police, said awareness campaigns are being carried out to warn beachgoers about swimming in prohibited areas. "The police, in coordination with the municipality, have been placing signboards along the coasts of the emirate with information and safety instructions in different languages. Despite these efforts, we find people still insisting on swimming in dangerous places, ignoring instructions and exposing lives to danger."

Lt-Col Sandal added that children should not be allowed in the swimming pool unless there is an accompanying person. "Parents must watch their children while swimming and a fence around the swimming pool should be placed to prevent children from entering."
Jet ski crashes
Water cycling is one of the most important tourist attractions for the different nationalities of visitors to the UAE, especially in Sharjah, said Lt-Col Sandal. "Due to the increasing tourists and visitors, a large number of jet ski licensed companies opened in Al Mamzar Beach to provide rentals based on specific terms and conditions set up by authorities concerned. Sharjah Police patrols, along with guards, are assigned for their continuous presence on the beach.

"Jet ski accidents are equivalent to vehicle accidents and occur due to speed and its small size. They are mostly caused by amateurs. Jet ski riders must use helmets and life jackets and avoid racing. They should also be in the limits of the beach area specified in the yellow buoys, where jet skis are allowed," he added.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah