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UAE: Fujairah records 27 drowning cases in 2024; beachgoers urged to follow safety tips
Increased coastal patrols and awareness campaigns will continue throughout the summer months to help protect lives and prevent water-related incidents, Fujairah authorities confirmed
- PUBLISHED: Sat 5 Jul 2025, 9:07 AM UPDATED: Sat 5 Jul 2025, 11:48 AM
Fujairah rescue teams saved 26 individuals, including Emiratis and expatriates, from drowning last year. Despite their swift interventions, however, one fatal drowning was recorded in 2024, according to official figures.
With the summer season in full swing and beachgoers flocking to coastal areas, authorities are reminding the public to prioritise safety. This call fro vigilance comes as the authorities have noted a rise in incidents — six more cases were reported in 2024 compared to the previous year. Many of these involved swimmers in unmonitored areas, the lack of life jackets, and boat equipment failures.
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Underscoring the need for continued public vigilance, the rescue teams noted: “We’re proud to have saved 26 lives, but even one life lost is too many. The sea is unpredictable — taking precautions before entering the water can mean the difference between life and death.”
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To help reduce risk, authorities have issued key safety guidelines for beach and boating enthusiasts:
Always wear life jackets when boating or swimming offshore
Avoid unmonitored or prohibited swimming areas
Check marine weather updates before heading out
Never leave children unsupervised near water
'Safety begins with preparation’
Meanwhile, as part of ongoing safety efforts, the “Sailing Safely” initiative by the Fujairah Fishermen’s Association continues to provide free safety checks and preventive maintenance for registered fishing boats in the emirate to minimise accidents at sea.
Rescue teams stressed that many incidents could have been avoided, often caused by preventable mistakes such as overloading boats, skipping regular maintenance, or failing to ventilate fuel systems properly.
“We’re ready to respond in any emergency, but true safety begins with preparation,” said an official. “With summer activity picking up, we urge everyone to respect the sea and make smart, safe decisions before heading out.”
To further enhance public safety, Fujairah authorities confirmed that increased coastal patrols and awareness campaigns will continue throughout the summer months to help protect lives and prevent water-related incidents.