Alarming Death Toll: 28 Drownings in Two Months

The situation is dire and alarming. Lieutenant Colonel Khalil Meshri, head of the operations and monitoring department at the Civil Protection's Operations Directorate, reported 28 drownings in just two months. Breaking down the numbers, 19 deaths occurred in April, and 9 more have been recorded since May 1st to date. These figures are considered "particularly high and unprecedented" compared to the same period in previous years.

Speaking on the radio, Lieutenant Colonel Meshri emphasized that the majority of victims are young people, including high school students and university students. These individuals flock to the beaches to have fun and party with friends, often immediately after taking their official exams.

A Call to Vigilance: "The Sea is Currently Dangerous"

In light of this situation, the responsible official issued a firm warning to citizens:

"The sea is not safe for swimming at the moment, and the danger is real because the beaches are not yet ready. The sea is hiding violent ocean currents and deep holes. Any attempt to venture out will quickly exhaust the swimmer's energy and lead to drowning, especially since the rescue teams cannot respond quickly enough during the pre-season period."

Regarding the Civil Protection's preparations for the peak summer season, Lieutenant Colonel Meshri stated that the goal is to secure all Tunisian beaches by the end of July. To achieve this, the mobilization of 2,000 to 2,300 lifeguards will be necessary.

Recruitment and Organization: A Joint Effort

Discussing the recruitment and training process, Khalil Meshri explained that candidates must submit their applications to the relevant municipalities. The Civil Protection then conducts aptitude tests, and the selected candidates undergo an intensive one-week training program before taking on their official duties.

The financial and management aspects of the system are joint efforts: municipalities handle recruitment and salary payments through allocated budgets, while the Civil Protection oversees technical supervision, beach allocation, and daily monitoring.

Double the Monthly Allowance to Counter the Shortage

During his radio appearance, Lieutenant Colonel Meshri announced an exclusive financial measure: doubling the monthly allowance for lifeguards, which will now reach approximately 1,000 dinars per month.

This incentive aims to counter the growing disinterest among young people in this work. This lack of enthusiasm is attributed to the coincidence of the start of the surveillance season with exam periods, as well as the lengthy working hours, which extend from 8:00 or 9:00 am (depending on the beach) to 6:00 pm.

Reassurance on Lifeguard Concentration

In response to concerns about the lack of concentration among some lifeguards, who may be tempted by secondary jobs in beach restaurants or cafes, the responsible official sought to reassure the public. He emphasized that lifeguards operate under the direct supervision of the Civil Protection. Agents from the protection are deployed permanently on the beaches as supervisors, and regular and unannounced inspections are conducted by regional and central directions to ensure total discipline and preserve human lives.