A red warning flag has been hoisted at Cox’s Bazar sea beach as the sea remains rough, signalling that swimming is currently unsafe.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised a local cautionary signal No. 3 for Cox’s Bazar and three other seaports due to a low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.
Despite the rough conditions, tourists have gathered in Cox’s Bazar, the country’s leading tourist destination, taking advantage of the weekly holiday.
Tourists mainly take to the water at the three designated points — Kolatoli, Laboni and Sugandha. However, Sea-Safe lifeguards have urged tourists to follow safety instructions while swimming.
According to the lifeguards, designated swimming zones have been marked at the three points where lifeguard services are available.
The boundaries of these areas are marked with red-yellow or red flags. Swimming outside the designated zones could be dangerous, they warned.
Mohammad Osman Gani, supervisor and senior lifeguard of Sea-Safe, told Cox’s Bazar Life, “The sea is rough, and a red flag has been hoisted at the beach. Continuous rainfall has also caused erosion, with holes or channels developing at several points along the beach.”
He urged everyone to stay cautious and follow the lifeguards’ instructions.
Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office assistant meteorologist Abdul Hannan said a low-pressure area had formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.
Under its influence, gusty winds may sweep across the seaports, the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.
On Friday, low tide is expected at 4:09pm, while high tide will begin at 9:57am.
Beach authorities and lifeguards warned that ignoring warning signals or safety instructions could lead to serious accidents at any time.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
