"As of May 15, the beach season has been declared open. Due to preparations for the season, necessary safety measures have been implemented by the Ministry of Emergency Situations."
Medianews.az reports that Akshin Alili, head of the public relations and propaganda department of the State Service for Small Vessel Control and Water Rescue of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, said this in a statement to Oxu.Az.
He stated that since April of this year, the State Service for Small Vessel Control and Water Rescue under the Ministry has conducted monitoring along coastal areas with the participation of representatives from local executive authorities:
"The main goal of conducting the monitoring was to identify unsafe and dangerous areas and, at the same time, to provide instructions regarding safety rules to beach operators.
In addition, underwater inspections were carried out by divers on beaches under the supervision of the service and on public beaches established upon the initiative of the IDEA Public Union, and underwater cleaning works were performed. Markers defining swimming boundaries in the sea were installed, and educational signs were placed in beach areas to inform citizens relaxing there about safety rules.
Furthermore, all rescue technical equipment under the service's control, as well as all equipment intended for use in diver-search operations, has been brought into working condition, and the service has been operating in an enhanced work regime since May 15."
Akshin Alili addressed citizens, emphasizing that they should be careful in selecting beaches:
"If there is no lifeguard on a beach, it means that safety measures have not been implemented in that area, and using such places is dangerous.
At the same time, we must not forget that weather conditions and time of day are also very important for having a good time at the beach. Swimming is prohibited in wavy seas and windy weather—especially when wind speed exceeds 10 meters per second. It is dangerous to stand continuously under the scorching sun and to enter the water after dark. Safe recreation times on beaches are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m."
It should be noted that the State Control Service on Use and Protection of Waters under ADSEA has submitted samples of seawater to the Republic Hygiene and Epidemiology Center of the Ministry of Health. Monitoring of beaches throughout the country has begun in connection with the beach season.