Red flags raised at Kuantan beaches

KUANTAN: As the monsoon season draws near, red flags have been raised at all popular beaches in the state capital to warn picnickers and swimmers about the dangers posed by the huge waves.

Red flags have been put up at Pantai Teluk Chempedak, Sepat, Batu Hitam and Balok to remind the public that water activities are prohibited during the rainy season and the possibility of unusual high-tide phenomenon.

State Civil Defence Force director Colonel Zainal Yusoff said lifeguards were stationed during the weekends and school holidays at major beaches here between 9am and 7pm to warn beachgoers not to enter the water.

He said the department’s lifeguards would monitor from the watch tower.

Patrols on the ground were equipped with jet skis, boats and other equipment, he added.

“Six lifeguards will be stationed at each beach. It is usually over the weekends, between Friday and Sunday, and during school holidays that we anticipate huge crowds.

“Our lifeguards will patrol the beaches on foot and also on motorcycles.

“Although our lifeguards are skilled in first aid and CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), the public should remember that it is their responsibility to cooperate and listen to instructions from the lifeguards, especially during bad weather,” he said yesterday.

Zainal described Teluk Chempedak as the most popular destination as there would be a huge group of picnickers, including foreigners, there over the weekends and school holidays.

“This requires the lifeguards stationed there to be always on their toes.”

A Fire and Rescue department spokesman said the district-level Natural Disaster Relief committees had completed their meetings over the last few weeks to coordinate their efforts in case of floods.