All-women rescue teams will soon be introduced on Dubai’s beaches, it has been announced.
Currently, 12 women are being trained to respond to emergencies, with the police planning to increase the number to 18 by the end of the year, state news agency WAM reported.
The two-month-long Dubai Police campaign on beach safety has been launched in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and other strategic partners.
Major-General Ahmed bin Thani, assistant Commander-in-Chief of Ports Affairs, said there has been a major decline in drowning deaths and related injuries so far this year with nine incidents recorded compared to 28 in 2017 and 35 in 2016.
“We are keen to provide safe beaches for people away from drowning incidents and other troubles. This campaign will help educate beachgoers about what to do when they go to the beaches and not to swim when there are high waves or bad weather,” he said.
Brigadier Abdulqader Al Bannai, director of Ports police station, urged beachgoers to be extra cautious and refrain from swimming after sunset when no lifeguards are on duty.
Dubai currently has 100 professional lifeguards who are deployed on its seven beaches. They operate from about 30 rescue stations with the latest first-aid equipment.
During the awareness campaign, police patrols will explain safety measures to beachgoers and police will also use social media platforms to tell the public about the safety measures to be followed while swimming at the open beaches.
Plans were also revealed to have a sea ambulance available at beaches by the end of this year to respond to medical emergencies.
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