Marine search and rescue chief says lifeguards on Dubai’s beaches would be ‘positive’

Police want to see guards at public beaches in bid to prevent drownings.

The decision whether to put lifeguards on public beaches will be taken by Dubai Municipality. Jaime Puebla / The National

DUBAI // Having lifeguards on public beaches would be a welcomed move, said the head of the police search and rescue.

“If introduced, this is something that is positive and we would welcome it,” said Maj Ali Al Naqbi.

A decision to put lifeguards on public beaches would, however, have to come from the Dubai Municipality.

“Currently, only hotels and private beaches have lifeguards and there is cooperation between us on that front,” Maj Al Naqbi said.

“There have been cases in which we have been called to come and assist.

“We also make it a point during high season to station car, jet ski and boat patrols.”

He said that his unit recorded 28 cases, where 40 people experienced difficulty swimming at beaches last year. Of these, three died.

In 2013, the unit recorded 35 cases involving 46 people, with three dying.

The numbers relate to incidents of drowning only and do not take into account fatalities caused to other maritime-related incidents, such as boat collisions.

“We have had a decrease in cases since last year and we are thankful for that,” Maj Al Naqbi said.

He said awareness campaigns have contributed to the decrease in number.

“Last year, we had a couple of cases of children drowning in pools. We also had one case of a boat that went up in flames with 11 people on board.

“The beach area near the Burj Al Arab remains one of the busiest places and where most drowning incidents occur.

“We urge people to follow instructions and always watch out for red flags, which means the waters can have strong currents and it’s dangerous.”

Maj Al Naqbi said his unit was prepared 24 hours a day, seven days a week and took extra precautions on weekends and on holidays.

“We make it a point to go on patrols during holidays because there is an influx of people going to the beach,” he said.

“Although we are always on call, we try to stay out of sight so people do not feel uncomfortable. After all, we do want them to enjoy their time.”

Maritime rescue points are at Al Hamriya Port, at the Floating Bridge on Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Port 1 fishermen’s docks 1, 2 and 3, Jumeirah Port 4, Umm Suqeim and Port Rashid.

Maj Al Naqbi said there were plans to increase the number of maritime rescue patrols stations in line with the increase in population and the building of the new canal. “We have 76 divers and 47 boat drivers dispersed around the emirate, who train every single day,” he said.

“Once we get a call from the operations unit, at least six officers are dispatched using one of our boats, a jet ski and a 4x4 vehicle.

“The situation is then quickly reassessed to decide which one of the three units will execute the rescue.”