Don't go swimming at Dhofar beaches: Royal Oman Police

Muscat: Avoid swimming in the sea during Dhofar’s monsoon season, Royal Oman Police (ROP) warned.

“Don’t put yourself in the risk of drowning if you can’t swim,” ROP tweeted on Tuesday.

Swimming can be dangerous during Khareef season due to strong currents and high waves that can be witnessed at all times and in all coastal areas in Dhofar, according to the police.

The ROP also urged beach-goers to keep an eye on children and prevent them from going near the sea.

Recently, the Ministry of Tourism allocated lifeguards at Dhofar’s beaches to ensure a safer holiday for Salalah tourists during the Khareef season.

The ministry signed a contract with a safety and rescue services company to secure Al Dahareez and Al Mughsayl beaches during the Khareef season.

The company, in cooperation with the ministry will raise awareness about dangers swimming at beaches during the monsoon season.

A ministry official told the Times of Oman that rescuers will be equipped with communication devices, ropes, life jackets and lamps. The company has also allocated four temporarily watchtowers at the coastline with a telescope at each tower.

Last year, two Emiratis, who had been holidaying with cousins and friends in Mirbat drowned in the strong waves of the beach during the monsoon season.