MUNICIPAL councillors are divided over what action to take against illegal swimming off Bahrain’s coastal areas.
Proposals included putting up warning signs, fencing off danger zones or introducing a beach flag warning system.
However, two members of the Muharraq Municipal Council suggested leaving the coasts open.
“Many reckless people jump into the sea without thinking of the consequences, be it in Busaiteen, Hidd or Dair,” said council chairman Ghazi Al Murbati at the weekly session yesterday.
“With widespread reclamation taking place along most coastal areas, when swimmers take to the sea it is often in deep waters or where the current is strong, risking their lives.
“We don’t want to block people’s access to the sea, which is why I believe it is best to put up warning signs which will spare us from any legal responsibility should something untoward happen to the swimmer.”
However, technical committee chairman Abdulaziz Al Ka’abi pointed out that putting up warning signs on some Muharraq beaches have not stopped people from jumping into the sea.
“I believe there should be fences stopping people from swimming; not at all locations, only those leading to deep ends,” he said.
“Open coasts tempt people and we should ensure they jump in the right place.”
Financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Bassem Al Majdami recommended introducing a beach flag warning system.
A red flag would indicate a high hazard area while a green flag would indicate a safe area to swim.
“We can’t assume that people would respect signs or not scale fences, but at least they would understand the nature of the sea on the day after noticing the flags similar to those used on beaches in Thailand.”
Councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi said Oman had open coasts but there has not been a single case of people jumping into the sea during high tide or in strong currents.
“It is more about sensibility and common sense rather than censorship or blockage,” he said.
“Minimal police presence is enough, but again policemen shouldn’t be present to control civilised, educated and well-mannered crowds.
“It is just a few nuts jumping into deep waters.”
Councillor Saleh Buhazaa said the council should leave people alone.
“There are limited coasts and places for people to swim and there shouldn’t be restrictions whatsoever,” he said. “The more we speak the more we give the government ideas to restrict people’s freedom to enjoy life.”
Meanwhile, Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk, who comes from a divers’ family, said Bahrain’s waters are shallow and easy to swim in.
“People who have lost their lives have always chosen to go further into deep waters during heavy currents to show off, otherwise our waters are safe for swimming up to a distance.”
The GDN has reported over the years that several people have lost their lives after swimming in prohibited areas, while a Bahraini diver drowned off a Thai beach a decade ago despite a red flag warning.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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