No lifeguards seen on duty at Sea View

Section 144 imposed at all beach spots of city

KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar has asked the people of Karachi to refrain from swimming in the sea as Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been imposed across the city's beaches.

The Section 144 has been imposed as the sea is rough during the monsoon season, which may result in deaths of picnickers from drowning incidents.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Akhtar said families going to the beach must adopt precautionary measures due to high tide. He has also directed lifeguards to remain vigilant around the clock to tackle any unfortunate incident.

According to a Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) spokesperson, Ali Hassan Sajid, as many as 35 lifeguards have been deployed at Sandspit and Hawke's Bay to deal with any untoward incident. "These lifeguards are equipped with first aid and two boats," he said, adding that they are professional swimmers and will stop people from going in the sea.



According to Sajid, several minor incidents have been reported due to high tide at different beach spots. Large rocks are coming along the tides, injuring picknickers, he said, adding that it is because of that people are being advised not to go deep in the sea.

Meanwhile, citizens who thronged the Sea View beach on Sunday complained that they could not see any lifeguard of the Clifton Cantonment Board or KMC.

When The Express Tribune visited Sea View, several young visitors were found swimming in the sea. "Since the newly discovered picnic spot of China port has been closed for the public, we are left with fewer places to go to," said a picnicker, Muhammad Ali. "What can we do if authorities impose a ban on all recreational spots of the city?"