Swimmers warned to stay ashore as man drowns, four others rescued

Authorities urge beachgoers to follow warning signs and stay out of the water, even if it looks safe enough to venture into.

AJMAN // A man drowned and four other people, including two children, were rescued from rough seas off Ajman beach on Sunday.

All five got into trouble after ignoring warning signs, authorities say.

Lt Salem Al Zaabi, the director of customer service at Ajman Civil Defence, said operations staff were alerted that three men were in difficulties off Ajman beach about 10.30am.

Sea-rescue crews rushed to the scene and pulled the three Arab men from the water, but one died a few minutes after being taken to land.

The other two were given emergency first aid and taken to Sheikh Khalifa Hospital for treatment.

Six hours later, crews were called to the same spot to rescue two children.

“This time it was Arab children aged 12 and 14,” said Lt Al Zaabi. “They were relatives who had been swimming together.

“Rescuers managed to pull them out of the water and also took them to Sheikh Khalifa Hospital.”

Ajman beach has several signs urging beachgoers not to swim in rough weather but many people ignore them.

Lt Al Zaabi warned that the weather was not yet calm enough for people to swim safely.

He said those who wanted to swim should check weather conditions.

He also said families should closely watch children and keep them away from the water.

An official from the Sharjah meteorological office said north-western winds were still sweeping across the sea, making it unsafe for swimming or fishing.

He said conditions were expected to calm by tomorrow.

And about 8am yesterday, Ajman Civil Defence freed a man who was trapped in his car for 20 minutes after an accident.

Lt Al Zaabi said a team removed a car door to free the man, who was unhurt.