It is monsoon in Cox’s Bazar, but Friday morning brought bright sunshine and a clear sky. With the weekly holiday drawing tourists to the beach, the shoreline was crowded.
However, local cautionary signal No. 3 remains in force at Cox’s Bazar and three other maritime ports. As the sea remains rough, red flags have been put up along the beach, indicating that swimming is currently unsafe.
Despite the warning, tourists were seen taking baths at the Kolatoli, Laboni and Sugandha points — the three designated swimming areas of the beach.
For safety, Sea-Safe Lifeguard authorities have urged tourists to follow several guidelines.
Lifeguards said designated swimming zones have been marked at the three points where lifeguard services are available. The boundaries of these areas have been marked with red-and-yellow or red flags.
Tourists have been warned that entering the water outside the designated zones could be dangerous.
Mohammad Osman Gani, supervisor and senior lifeguard of Sea-Safe Lifeguard, told Cox’s Bazar Life that the sea remains rough because local cautionary signal No. 3 is in force.
“Red flags have been put up along the beach. The beach has also experienced erosion due to the prolonged rainfall, while holes and channels have formed in several places. Although lifeguard services are available, we advise tourists not to enter the water to avoid accidents,” he said.
According to the day’s tide schedule, low tide is expected at 5:11 pm on Friday, while high tide began at 10:55 am.
Lifeguards and other authorities have warned that ignoring cautionary signals or lifeguard instructions and entering the water could lead to serious accidents at any time.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
