Local Baywatch ready to protect

Civil defence has 150 lifeguards nationwide

PORT DICKSON: Malaysia has many alluring beaches that draw hordes of holidaymakers from here and abroad who are often oblivious to the hazards around them when they get carried away frolicking in the sand and surf.

This is where Baywatch comes in.

Not many people are aware that the Malaysia Civil Defence Force has its own Baywatch team comprising 150 trained lifeguards, stationed at 41 popular beaches around the country.

Their name is derived from the popular 1989-2001 TV series of the same name.

Malaysia’s Baywatch lifeguards, like their TV counterparts, not only patrol the beaches but also monitor the sea and its surroundings from their Baywatch tower lookout posts, ready to jump into action at the first sign of danger.

Teluk Kemang beach here has two Baywatch towers, one at Batu 8 and the other about 900m away. There is also a tower at Saujana beach at Batu 4.

Port Dickson district Civil Defence assistant Lt Mohd Yaakob Md Asri said the Baywatch squad would issue warnings to swimmers if the weather turns nasty and waves become rough.

A white flag flying from the Baywatch tower means sea conditions are safe, while a red flag serves as a warning to steer clear of the water.

“However, there are some who don’t heed the warnings.

“They are usually visitors from far away who want to make full use of their visit to the beach,” Mohd Yaakob said.

Four lifeguards are stationed at each tower

The team is also equipped with boats, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles and other rescue equipment. Lt Mohd Yaakob Md Asri

and take turns patrolling and monitoring the surrounding area.

“The team is also equipped with boats, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles and other rescue equipment,” Mohd Yaakob added.

Civil Defence Force Disaster Management and Operations Division assistant director Lt Col Mohd Rosman Abdullah said public apathy towards safety was frequently evident at beaches.

He hoped the Government would consider empowering the Baywatch lifeguards to take action against stubborn beachgoers.

“Currently, the squads can only advise them and launch rescue missions. They cannot carry out enforcement activities,” he said.

Last year, following the deployment of the Baywatch teams, the Civil Defence Force handled 514 cases at beaches nationwide, compared with 715 in 2016.

The most common cases involved drownings and near-drownings, swimmers being stung by jellyfish and other light injuries.

Baywatch operates from 9am to 7pm daily. In Bagan Lalang, Selangor, and Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, they conduct round-the-clock operations.