Armed with a whistle, Gaza’s lifeguards do what they can to save swimmers
Summary
Lifeguards in Gaza are working under difficult conditions to keep swimmers safe along the crowded beaches. Many of their tools and rescue equipment were destroyed in the war, but they continue to watch over people trying to enjoy moments of relief amid ongoing conflict.Key Facts
- Gaza’s lifeguards monitor swimmers closely to prevent drownings despite limited resources.
- Many lifeguard towers and rescue equipment were destroyed during recent Israeli attacks.
- Lifeguards now work from ground-level tents and makeshift structures, which reduce their visibility.
- About 120 lifeguards are currently employed, down from around 140 before the war.
- Lifeguards operate in two shifts: 8am to 2pm and 2pm to 8pm.
- The boats used for offshore rescues are mostly destroyed, limiting their ability to respond quickly.
- Lifeguards handle between 20 and 50 rescue cases daily, with peaks on busy days reaching over 160 cases.
- One lifeguard, Ahmed Abu Haseira, lost family members in an attack but returned to his job after recovering from his injuries.
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