Govt Issues Urgent Alert to Ensure Safe Sea Tourism

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has issued an emergency alert to safeguard tourists visiting beaches.

The ministry warned that red-flagged zones are highly dangerous, and swimming in these areas is strictly prohibited. District authorities, tourist police, beach staff, and lifeguards are on hand to assist visitors.

Tourists were advised to swim only in designated safe zones and avoid areas without lifeguard coverage, as help may not be available beyond these points. Checking tide schedules, sea danger signals, and avoiding swimming during adverse weather or low tides are strongly recommended.

Non-swimmers have been explicitly warned against entering the sea. Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses must provide life jackets or ensure easy access, and flotation tubes are prohibited in favour of proper life jackets. Parents are urged to supervise children at all times and keep photographs of minors on mobile devices.

The alert highlighted hazards such as strong currents, whirlpools, reverse flows, downward streams, and shifting sand pits. It also cautioned against untrained rescue attempts, which could endanger both the rescuer and the victim.