Although no warning signal is currently in force, persistent monsoon rain continues in Cox’s Bazar, while lifeguards have urged tourists to avoid entering the sea because of hazardous beach conditions.
After a day of bright sunshine on Thursday, rain returned on Friday morning. Despite the wet weather, tourist numbers increased ahead of the weekly holiday, with many visitors gathering along the beach.
Red warning flags remain hoisted along the shoreline, indicating that sea bathing is unsafe.
Even so, many tourists were seen entering the water at the Kolatoli, Laboni and Sugandha points. To ensure public safety, Sea Safe Lifeguard authorities have requested that visitors follow safety instructions.
Lifeguards said designated bathing zones have been marked at the three locations where rescue personnel are on duty. These areas are identified with red-and-yellow flags or red flags, and tourists have been warned not to enter the water outside the marked zones because of the risk posed by strong currents and uneven seabed conditions.
Sea Safe Lifeguard supervisor and senior lifeguard Mohammad Osman Gani told Cox’s Bazar Life that red flags had been hoisted across the beach.
‘Continuous rainfall has caused erosion along parts of the beach, and channels and deep holes have formed in several places. Although lifeguards are on duty, we advise tourists not to enter the sea to avoid accidents,’ he said.
According to the day’s tidal forecast, low tide is expected at 5:18pm, while high tide began at 10:01am on Friday.
Authorities warned that ignoring red flags or lifeguards’ instructions could lead to serious accidents at any time.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
