Eight Drowning Deaths Recorded in Tunisia Since May 1st
Colonel-Major Khalil Mechri, head of the Operations and Monitoring Department at the General Directorate of Civil Protection, announced on Monday, May 18, 2026, that eight people have drowned in Tunisia since the beginning of May, in various locations including beaches, wadis, and canals.
Avoid Swimming Before June
Speaking on Express Fm, Colonel-Major Mechri warned of the risks associated with premature swimming, particularly during a period of transition when there is no organized surveillance on several beaches before the official launch of the summer season.
He urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid swimming during this period, highlighting the dangers of invisible ocean currents, even when the sea appears calm. Many accidents occur due to a poor assessment of natural conditions or an overestimation of individual swimming abilities.
Official Beach Safety Measures Deployed in June
According to Colonel-Major Mechri, official beach safety measures are typically deployed in June, with a gradual increase in surveillance posts along the entire coastline, particularly in heavily frequented areas such as the governorates of Nabeul and Bizerte. This includes the deployment of lifeguards and rapid intervention means, including boats and jet-skis.
Lifeguard Recruitment and Training
The colonel-major explained that lifeguards are recruited through municipalities and undergo selection tests and specialized training in rescue and first aid. He emphasized the need to improve their working conditions and motivation to ensure optimal coverage of beaches during the summer season.
Respect Safety Flags
Colonel-Major Mechri also stressed the importance of respecting safety flags: the red flag prohibits swimming, the orange flag requires extreme vigilance, and the green flag indicates relatively safe conditions. He exhorted citizens to strictly follow these guidelines.
Child Safety a Top Priority
He also highlighted the importance of protecting children during the summer, due to the rapidity with which accidents can occur, particularly during peak periods or when children are playing without direct parental supervision.
Forest Fire Prevention
Beyond marine risks, Colonel-Major Mechri presented preparations for fighting forest fires. A national plan has been developed in coordination with several ministries, including the Interior, Agriculture, and Equipment ministries, as well as the civil protection agency.
This plan involves:
- Reinforcing ground surveillance
- Using drones to detect fires early
- Creating seasonal intervention centers in sensitive areas
- Strengthening mobile teams
- Enhancing coordination with security and military forces
- Creating new civil protection centers in certain regions, including Tebourba in the Béja governorate
Preventive Measures for Farmers
Colonel-Major Mechri called on farmers to adopt preventive measures, such as dividing agricultural plots, cleaning the surroundings of roads and railways, and setting up means of early intervention.
Shared Responsibility for a Safe Summer
He concluded by emphasizing that the success of the summer season depends on shared responsibility between the state and citizens, highlighting the importance of respecting prevention guidelines as the primary means of reducing accidents and ensuring a safe summer.
