Be careful on beaches, revellers advised

Guests and tourists travelling to Lamu for the Christmas and New Year festivities have been cautioned against careless revelling on Indian Ocean beaches. 

Authorities in Lamu County have identified and mapped risky spots and beaches. The risky beaches and spots on the archipelago include Shela, Wiyoni, Kipungani, Ras Kitau, Manda-Toto, Kiwayu and Mkokoni. Lamu County Kenya Red Cross Society Coordinator Abdulhakim Mahmoud said the areas have witnessed deaths involving children, students and adults while swimming, adding that the spots are believed to have underwater caves.

Mr Mahmoud told those who go to the ocean to swim to use floaters and other safety gadgets. 

He also called on locals and tourists to report incidents to the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Mokowe. 

“If you are new in Lamu, note the mentioned spots. Children should not be left alone in these areas,” he said on Wednesday, December 11.

The Red Cross Society official also asked visitors to follow the set guidelines and weather alerts while on the beaches. “Look out for danger spots. Don’t assume anything when alerts have been issued,” he said.

Alcohol plea

Meanwhile, Coast residents have appealed for a 24-hour surveillance of the ocean, especially the areas known for swimming and other sporting events. Lamu County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Network chairman Mohamed Somo said increased surveillance would help in quick response in the event of a tragedy. The Coast is famed for its weather, white sandy beaches and many attraction sites.

The beaches are a daily crowd puller. “A 24-hour surveillance on the beaches and the ocean is important. 

The region receives thousands of visitors towards the end of the year,” Mr Somo said. Malindi BMU chairman Yunus Aboud Sahe also advised against drinking alcohol near beaches. 

Alcohol has been found to be one of the main causes of drowning. 

Liquor is forbidden on beaches in many parts of the world.