Gaza Lifeguards Face Equipment Shortages While Monitoring Swimmers

Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Lifeguards in Gaza are facing significant shortages of essential rescue equipment as they monitor swimmers at one of the few leisure activities available to Palestinians. Ahmed Abu Haseira, a lifeguard, stands waist-deep among swimmers, gesturing to move people away from potential dangers. He shares a whistle with other lifeguards, as his personal whistle was buried under his home, which was destroyed in an Israeli attack in August 2024. The attack resulted in the deaths of his wife, three children, his father, and other family members. After surviving his injuries, he returned to work at the beach. This summer, lifeguards are tasked with ensuring safety for swimmers in a region affected by ongoing conflict. They lack loudspeakers, rescue buoys, and watchtowers, relying primarily on their voices and hand signals. Ibrahim Shamlakh, head of the municipality’s marine rescue department, noted that about 120 lifeguards are currently employed, down from 140 before the war. They work in two shifts, from 8 AM to 2 PM and from 2 PM to 8 PM. Shamlakh mentioned that the team has increased its presence this summer despite the loss of infrastructure and equipment due to the war. Previously, lifeguard towers were positioned every 200 meters along the coastline, equipped with sound systems and rescue gear. Now, lifeguards operate from ground-level tents, which limit their visibility. On busy days, lifeguards can respond to between 20 and 50 rescue incidents, with numbers rising significantly during peak times. This season, two individuals have drowned outside the areas monitored by lifeguards. Bilal Bakar, a lifeguard with 15 years of experience, expressed challenges in performing his duties without adequate equipment. Lifeguards use flags to signal safe swimming areas, but some swimmers ignore these warnings. The municipality has managed to acquire about 50 whistles, but the cost has increased significantly due to Israeli import restrictions, with prices rising from 25 shekels ($8) to 100 shekels ($34). Rescue buoys are also in short supply, creating difficulties during emergencies. Lifeguards are paid irregularly, earning about 25 shekels for a six-hour shift, and some have gone 75 days without pay. Many lifeguards are also fishermen who can no longer work at sea, making lifeguarding one of the few income sources available. Despite the challenges, lifeguards continue to extend their working hours voluntarily to prevent drowning incidents. Abu Haseira stated that saving lives provides him with comfort and a connection to his lost family. Bakar highlighted the commitment of lifeguards to return each summer, passing the responsibility to the next generation.