Exercise caution while visiting beaches, wadis

MUSCAT: The Omani authorities have urged the general public to exercise caution while going to beaches and wadis.

With the start of the holidays, people in Oman usually head out to the wadis and beaches. Many even venture out into the sea.

“Oman has some of the world’s most stunning beaches and beautiful wadis, but the beauty can be deceptively dangerous. Even if you are a good swimmer, for your own safety, be very careful around deep water and strong currents,” the Ministry of Tourism said in a statement on the occasion of Eid al Fitr holidays.

Despite warnings and safety measures, tragedies continue to occur on Omani beaches because of non-compliance with rules.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) asked people to exercise caution while swimming in wadis and the sea.

“Many families flock to wadis and hit the beaches to spend the holidays. There are also many others who go to the beaches to beat the heat during these months. They are not aware of the risks, especially the possibility of drowning, if precautions are not taken,” an ROP official said.

The official also asked parents to monitor the activities of children when the latter enter wadis or the sea.

“Parents should exercise restraint so that their wards also will follow suit. When wadis are full, their streams carry loose rocks and soil. So, it is advisable to check before stepping into the water,” he said.

While children are freely allowed to venture into the water by parents, it is a common sight to see people swimming late into the evening though beach safety regulations prohibit such activities after sunset.