The Mayor of Gaza, Dr. Yahya Al-Sarraj, honored three lifeguards in recognition of their efforts in rescuing a citizen from drowning at sea, despite the lack of specialized maritime rescue resources and equipment, as well as the significant shortage of lifeguards during the current season. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Tamer Al-Rayes, Director General of Health and Environment Eng. Mohammed Hamada, and Director of the Parks Department Abdel Baset Al-Khissi.

With the start of the summer season at the beginning of May, the municipality explained that the lack of necessary rescue resources and equipment is hindering rescue operations, posing a threat to the safety of beachgoers, and failing to provide citizens with a sense of security and reassurance along the coast.

The municipality added that the most critical needs in this regard include providing approximately 150 lifeguards to cover the entire coastline of the city, reconstructing observation towers, and supplying lifeguards with appropriate uniforms, in addition to other essential maritime rescue requirements.

The Gaza Municipality called upon relevant authorities and human rights organizations to provide the necessary resources for maritime rescue operations and enable it to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

The Gaza Municipality had previously warned citizens against swimming and entering the sea from Sunday until next Wednesday due to weather fluctuations and high waves, in order to safeguard public safety.