Sharjah: Police have launched a safety campaign to warn residents and tourists about the potential dangers of going to the beach during the summer.
Lieutenant Colonel Yousuf Bin Harmol, director of Buhairah police in Sharjah, said the ‘Safety First’ initiative was discussed in a meeting which gathered officers and hotels directors and representatives in the Carlton Hotel on Sunday.
The meeting was chaired by Colonel Omar Abdullah Al Suwaidi, director of Sharjah Police General Centers. Major Abdullah Salem Al Naqbi, director of CID at Buhairah police station, also attended.
Police are calling for a specialised sea police unit and new legislation to protect swimmers after dozens of people drowned at beaches last summer.
Officers said some of the victims had ignored signs that warn people about currents.
The new initiative aimed to prevent swimmers from entering dangerous water to reduce the number of deaths.
Directions and guidance were given to the hotel directors and their representatives about how to deal with emergency cases and problems and how to find appropriate solutions.
