Despite a local weather alert, tourists are flocking to the sea at Cox’s Bazar, ignoring official warnings and entering the turbulent waters. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued Local Warning Signal No. 3 for Cox’s Bazar and three other maritime ports, following the formation of deep convective clouds over the North Bay and adjoining areas, raising the risk of squally winds.
Red flags have been hoisted along the beach to signal danger, yet they do little to deter visitors. Tourists continue to swim in the sea in large numbers.
On Friday morning (May 23), visits to the beach’s Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni points revealed a high influx of tourists taking advantage of the weekend holiday. Most were seen bathing in the sea, disregarding the safety alerts.
Mohammad Shukkur, a senior lifeguard on duty, expressed concern:
“The sea is rough due to the warning in effect, but tourists are ignoring our advice. People have traveled from various locations with the intention of swimming, yet they continue to enter despite the potential risks. Still, we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety.”
Despite the continuous efforts of lifeguards and visual warnings such as red flags, the allure of the sea remains irresistible to many, thereby raising serious concerns about tourist safety during inclement weather.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
