Somali fishermen double as lifeguards

With security improving in Somalia's capital, thousands of residents go to the beach. But drowning incidents have been on the rise. A local municipality has trained a team of lifeguards to ensure safety at Mogadishu's beaches. eNCA

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

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MOGADISHU - With security improving in Somalia's capital, thousands of residents like to spend a day at the beach.

However, drownings have been on the rise.

A local municipality has trained a team of lifeguards to ensure safety at Mogadishu's beaches.

eNCA spoke to Abdullahi Hassan, who is a former teacher. Hassan decided to take action when a former student died.

As a Mogadishu district commissioner, he has trained and deployed lifeguards.

"I am very happy that this project has been initiated and it's saving lives. As you can see that there are lots of people here not only from this area but all parts of the city and outside as well. They have come here and are having fun and after they can go home safe," said Hassan.

The 15 lifeguards are mostly fishermen. They volunteer their time and boats over the weekend.
Hassan pays for the fishermen's fuel.

"Every weekend we save many lives without pay, we volunteer our time and experience. The district commissioner provides us with the fuel we need," said Lido Beach lifeguard, Omar Haji Mohamud.

Ten new rescue boats will soon help with the traffic at the beach, and an emergency health centre has been set up to deal with injuries.

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