Dubai: Police warned beachgoers of the changes in weather conditions which might lead to an increase in drowning cases, especially among people who cannot swim or who do not know sea currents and weather conditions.
Captain Yahya Hussain, Head of Dubai Police's Sea Rescue Section, said Dubai Police's sea rescue wing is keen on doing their utmost to provide safety for beachgoers.
He said the section had intensified their preparations for Eid Al Aha holidays, which witnessed increase in the number of visitors. The sea rescue section has taken many preventative procedures by increasing sea rescue patrols on all beaches.
"The section prepared 16 boats on all Dubai beaches in addition to eight jet skies and seven sea patrols," Captain Hussain said.
He said before going to the beach visitors must make sure of the sea's condition by calling the operations room on 999 or Dubai International Airport on 04-2162218 or by checking media reports or website www.weather.com.
Carry first aid
"The visitors also needs to take a number of preventative procedures such as carrying first aid box, life jackets, and other required items," Captain Hussain said.
He said most drowning accidents happen because many beachgoers do not know swimming or do not follow the instructions of sea rescuers and do not pay attention to red flags which warn from swimming in certain areas or as a result of sudden currents.
Captain Hussain called on beachgoers to follow simple guidelines to have accident-free holidays.
He called on beachgoers to follow the warnings of rescuers, swim away from stones because they are areas of currents, avoid swimming alone in an isolated area, do not attempt to save a drowning person if you cannot swim and call 999 and give them the exact directions in case of an emergency.
Phone: Emergency contact
Captain Yahya Hussain, Head of Dubai Police's Sea Rescue Section, called on beachgoers to call the Command and Control Room on 999 in case of any emergency and identify the location exactly.
