Cox’s Bazar beach remained rough on Friday despite bright sunshine after heavy rain at midnight, prompting authorities to keep a red flag hoisted as tourists arrived in the country’s premier tourism destination for the weekly holiday.
A red flag indicates that swimming in the sea is unsafe. However, there was no warning signal at the Cox’s Bazar seaport.
Tourists were mainly going into the water at the three designated points — Kolatoli, Laboni and Sugandha.
Sea-Safe lifeguards have urged tourists to follow safety instructions and remain within the designated swimming areas where lifeguard services are available.
Sea-Safe has marked the boundaries of the safe swimming areas with red-yellow or red flags. Tourists have been warned that entering the water outside the designated areas could be dangerous.
Mohammad Osman Gani, supervisor and senior lifeguard of Sea-Safe, told Cox’s Bazar Life that the sea remained rough and a red flag had been hoisted on the beach.
“The beach has experienced erosion due to continuous rainfall, and holes and channels have formed in several places. Everyone is urged to remain cautious and follow the instructions of the lifeguards,” he said.
According to the local tide forecast, low tide is expected at 7:19pm on Friday, while the next high tide is scheduled to begin at 01:22 pm.
Lifeguards and concerned residents warn that ignoring safety signals or lifeguard instructions could lead to serious accidents.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
