Al Hamriyah Municipality has renewed its contract with a specialist company providing security, safety and marine rescue services to operate and further develop the beach safety system at Al Hamriyah Sea Beach and Al Baher Park Beach, reinforcing its ongoing efforts to protect lives, reduce the risk of drowning, and ensure the emirate’s beaches are prepared to receive visitors and sea-goers to the highest professional standards.
The move reflects Sharjah Government’s broader approach of providing safe, sustainable public facilities and improving the quality of services delivered to the community, while also preserving the distinguished standing of Al Hamriyah Beach, which has already earned the international Blue Flag accreditation after meeting stringent criteria covering seawater quality, environmental management, environmental education and awareness, public safety, and service quality.
Round-the-clock beach safety coverage
The renewed system includes a fully trained and qualified team of lifeguards positioned along the beach from sunrise to sunset, supported by elevated observation platforms and towers that allow them to monitor beach users, identify situations requiring intervention, and reach those in need as quickly as possible.
The service also uses modern marine rescue equipment, including jet skis, rescue boats and boards, wireless communication devices, first-aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment, together with beach vehicles that help rescue teams move rapidly and respond to emergencies across different locations.
In addition, the system relies on the international warning flag scheme to inform beachgoers about sea conditions: the red flag means swimming is prohibited, the yellow flag signals caution and the need to follow lifeguards’ instructions, while the green flag indicates that conditions are suitable for swimming. Special flags are also used to mark the location of lifeguards and warn of marine hazards.
Safer swimming areas and emergency preparedness
The work also includes identifying safe swimming zones and providing clear lines and markers to separate them from boat and jet ski routes, alongside enhanced signage, emergency and evacuation plans, direct coordination with police and ambulance services, and the preparation of daily and weekly reports on cases, observations and overall readiness.
His Excellency Mubarak Rashid Al Shamsi, Director of Al Hamriyah Municipality, said that the safety of beach users is a key priority in the municipality’s plans, and that renewing the marine rescue system reflects its continued commitment to providing a safe and attractive beach environment for families and visitors.
He added that the renewed contract is part of Al Hamriyah Municipality’s efforts to continue developing marine safety and rescue services, through qualified teams, modern equipment and an integrated monitoring and response system that strengthens prevention and speeds up the handling of emergency cases. He said it also extends the municipality’s commitment to maintaining the standards that enabled Al Hamriyah Beach to obtain the Blue Flag and to consolidating its position among beaches that combine safety, sustainability and quality services.
Al Shamsi also said the municipality is working continuously to promote beach safety awareness, calling on visitors to follow lifeguards’ instructions, pay attention to flag warnings, avoid swimming in unauthorised areas or during unsuitable sea conditions, and closely supervise children at all times.
Legal and operational safeguards
For his part, Ammar Hamid Al Muhairi, Director of the Legal Affairs Department at Al Hamriyah Municipality, said the contract renewal came after a comprehensive review of technical, legal and operational requirements to ensure the company’s responsibilities are clear and the level of service is sustained.
He noted that the contract includes precise conditions relating to the number of lifeguards, their qualifications, coverage hours, equipment readiness, emergency response procedures and periodic reports, in addition to monitoring and oversight indicators and contractual penalties in the event of non-compliance, ensuring the service is delivered according to the best standards and safeguarding the safety of beach users.
He explained that linking contractual requirements to approved safety standards strengthens governance and performance oversight, and ensures the continuous readiness of rescue teams and equipment throughout the contract period.
He confirmed that renewing this service forms part of a broader system to develop Al Hamriyah Beach and preserve the quality of its environment and facilities, enhancing its position as a family-friendly and sports-oriented coastal destination that attracts visitors and offers them a safe, sustainable experience in line with Sharjah Government’s objectives to improve quality of life.