Warning against swimming at night in Dubai

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has warned beachgoers against swimming after sunset. The civic body’s warning comes as part of a social media awareness campaign that it has launched to ensure better beach safety in Dubai. The move follows recent cases of drowning reported in Dubai, including that of an Indian man who drowned while swimming in Umm Suqeim in the early hours of last Friday. The municipality this weekend took to social media to publicise the instructions to be obeyed while swimming in the open beaches. As the foremost instruction, it asked the public not to swim after sunset. Dubai Police had in the past made a similar appeal to the public, pointing out that the possibility of drowning is higher when people swim in the dark. The municipality also warned swimmers against venturing into water when the red flag is raised during bad weather conditions. When the yellow flag is raised, people should swim with caution and follow the lifeguards’ instructions, it noted. Swimmers are also advised not to swim close to the rocks or outside the safe zone. In most of the open beaches in Dubai, areas for swimming have been marked through floating buoys and ropes. Swimming past these limits can invite trouble. The civic body has also reminded beachgoers that children are the responsibility of the accompanying adults. Lifeguards In other posts on social media, the civic body said it has “an efficient staff that consists of 60 rescuers” assigned to cover the five beach areas dedicated for swimming in Al Mamzar Beach Park. Ten of them are women. Additionally, the municipality recently launched the region’s first robot lifeguard, which is shaped like a boat and manoeuvred by remote control, to provide high-speed assistance in rescuing swimmers from drowning. Gulf News’ questions about beach safety were not answered by municipality officials concerned. Other violations The municipality’s campaign also warns beachgoers against other violations. “Keep the beaches clean and do not leave garbage,” one instruction reads. No pets are allowed on the beach. Similarly, no barbecue or lighting fires or camping or smoking shisha is permitted on the beach. Photography is strictly prohibited while overnight sleeping is also not allowed. The civic body has reminded beachgoers to dress appropriately in accordance with local customs. Also, it said swimming costumes should not be worn outside the beach area. The administration will not be responsible for any personal accident or theft or negligence, the municipality said, adding that marketing and sales are also not allowed in beaches and parks without permission. Violations of these rules will attract fines from the municipality. Source: Gulf News