Cox’s Bazar beach has drawn large crowds during the extended Durga Puja holiday, with people arriving from across the country to enjoy the blue waters and rolling waves.
Some are swimming with their families, while others are enjoying the sea with friends. To prevent accidents during the holiday rush, lifeguards are on high alert and issuing safety warnings and guidance through loudspeakers.
A total of 27 lifeguards are on duty daily at three designated points along the beach. They advise tourists to swim safely, avoid dangerous currents, and check tidal conditions before entering the water.
Imtiaz Ahmed, field team manager of the Sea Safe lifeguard programme, said underwater channels and sudden deep depressions frequently formed along Cox’s Bazar beach, posing risks to swimmers who entered these areas.
He urged tourists to avoid deep water and stay especially cautious of currents around high and low tides.
Lifeguards are also stressing the importance of following beach flags and their instructions before entering the sea. Tourists are advised not to swim where red flags are displayed, to remain within designated safe areas and to avoid deep water if they cannot swim.
Parents are being urged to keep children under constant supervision, while people who are ill or physically weak are advised not to enter the sea.
If caught in a strong current, swimmers should remain calm, try to stay afloat and wave their hands to seek help from lifeguards. Rather than swimming directly towards the shore against the current, they are advised to move parallel to the beach if possible.
Tourist Abir, who travelled from Dhaka, said he was following lifeguards’ instructions while swimming. He also urged other tourists to remain alert and prioritise their safety.
Tourism-related stakeholders said safety awareness had become increasingly important as the number of tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar beach rose during the holiday. They urged visitors to follow lifeguards’ instructions, avoid dangerous areas and pay attention to warning signals while enjoying the beach.
Tourists’ awareness and responsible behaviour are essential to preventing accidents and ensuring families can return home safely after enjoying the sea’s beauty.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Rahim Uddin
