On Saturday morning, tourist arrivals at Cox’s Bazar beach surged as visitors took advantage of the last day of the weekly holiday, with many safely enjoying sea bathing in favourable conditions.
After two consecutive rain-free days, temperatures rose noticeably in the morning. Despite the heat, large numbers of tourists headed to the beach to swim, relax and enjoy the seaside.
A visit to the Kalatali, Sugandha and Laboni points on Saturday morning showed crowds building soon after sunrise. Families, groups of friends, and couples enjoyed the coastal scenery by bathing in the sea, strolling along the beach, and taking photographs.
Shakhawat Ullah, a tourist from Dhaka, travelled by air to Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning and headed straight to Kalatali Beach after landing.
“Coming to the beach always lifts your mood. I came here directly from the airport. The waves, the open sky and the atmosphere are truly wonderful,” he said.
He also urged tourists to help keep the beach clean.
“The beach belongs to all of us, so protecting it is our shared responsibility. I noticed some visitors throwing litter indiscriminately, which damages the beach’s beauty. We must all take care of this valuable natural asset,” he added.
Another tourist, Sadia Rahman, who was visiting with her family, said, “Every time I come to Cox’s Bazar, it feels special. The sea is tranquil today, and it is reassuring to swim in a safe environment. If everyone obeys the safety rules, the experience will be even more enjoyable.”
Members of the Sea Safe Lifeguard service began duty before dawn to ensure tourists’ safety.
Lifeguards maintained constant surveillance from watchtowers and patrolled the beach at the Kalatali, Sugandha and Laboni points.
Sea Safe senior lifeguard Rashid Ahmed said that red-and-yellow flags had been raised as sea conditions remained favourable.
“The red-and-yellow flags indicate that it is safe to swim within the designated areas. However, visitors must follow the instructions of lifeguards at all times and remain within the marked zones,” he said.
Officials expect tourist numbers to increase further throughout the day and have urged tourists to swim only in designated areas and comply with lifeguards’ instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
