Abu Dhabi Safety is becoming a mounting problem at Abu Dhabi’s public beaches with many residents throwing caution to the wind in their eagerness to take a dip in the sea, XPRESS has learnt.
Lifeguards manning the Corniche and Al Bateen beaches say they have a daunting task at hand to convince people to stick to safety regulations.
“We do our duty sincerely. But it is not easy to ensure safety when people behave irresponsibly,” said a Sri Lankan safeguard who identified himself as K.M.
“Safety is primarily the responsibility of the beachgoer. He should know the do’s and don’ts. We are there to prevent accidents,” added K.M., who has been working as a lifeguard for the last eight years.
The two public beaches in Abu Dhabi – Corniche beach and Al Bateen beach – are managed by a private company called Circo. According to sources, 35 lifeguards are manning the Corniche beach between 7am till sunset when swimming is permitted.
Ignoring the rulebook
During the Eid holidays, safety on the beaches was beefed up considering the huge number of people thronging the beaches. The Abu Dhabi Municipality had launched a two-day safety awareness campaign prior to Eid in response to the rising number of beachgoers.
“Such a drive is to safeguard the life and health of beachgoers and enforce the highest health standards,” said Engineer Salah Awad Al Sarraj, acting executive director of town planning sector.
The safety campaign was launched in coordination with other entities like the Abu Dhabi Community Police.
However, a visit to the beach during public holidays and on weekends show a different picture. Scores of residents and families with kids refuse to get out of water despite instructions from lifeguards that swimming is not permitted after sunset. Signboards with safety instructions on the beach clearly state that children under 12 are parents’ responsibility. But not everyone seems to take it seriously.
“Madam, please ask your children to come out of water. It is not safe,” a lifeguard at the Corniche beach almost implored a couple who callously disregarded his requests several times. Their three children could be seen swimming in the water without wearing floating jackets while their parents were taking a stroll.
Undeterred, the lifeguard could be seen approaching more families who were still in the water well past sunset.
“It is so difficult to convince people. We have clear instructions not to let people swim after sunset,” said another lifeguard who identified himself as Sanal.
“Our job is on the line if people don’t heed safety regulations. We always tell families to stay close to small children when they are in the water. But not all parents are attentive,” added Sanal.
He also pointed out that most drowning accidents are caused because swimmers get adventurous and disregard their own safety. Official statistics on drowning accidents in Abu Dhabi were not immediately available.
“It is important to know your own limits as a swimmer. Also, the waves are unpredictable especially in the evenings when there is high tide. One can get swept away within seconds,” said Sanal.
At Al Bateen Beach too, lifeguards can be seen driving around in buggies warning people that swimming is not permitted after 6pm. But not many seem to listen.
TIPS AND TRICKS TO PREVENT DROWNING
1. Nannies/parents should never look after a child swimming if they can’t swim themselves.
2. Stay be calm and don’t panic!!!
3. Always have something with you to be used as lifesaver stuff like long ropes, noodle floats, lifejackets.
4. Be aware of the CPR process- Simple skills can save a life.
5. Always call for help if someone is drowning before attending them.
6. Be aware of the safety protocols of open beaches. There are sign boards, read them!!!
7. Do not let children swim alone. Practice buddy system swimming.
8. Be aware on the risk of dry drowning after a rescue: always go to hospital. (Dry drowning can happen 72 hrs after a rescued drowning)
9. If you have a medical condition such as seizures and epilepsy, check with your doctor if it is safe to swim.
10. Unless you are a strong and confident swimmer, stay close to the shore.
Courtesy: Bienvenido Quiocho Jr.
Life Support Instructor
TPH, a first-aid and health and safety training firm in the UAE
