Border Guards in Jazan rescue a citizen from drowning off the coast of Bish

In a swift and effective response, the Border Guard search and rescue teams in Bish Governorate, Jazan Region, rescued a citizen who was drowning while swimming at a beach. Upon receiving the report, the specialized teams moved to the location, where they pulled the citizen from the water and administered immediate first aid before transferring him to the hospital for further medical care and to ensure his condition was stable.

General context and role of the border guards

This incident once again highlights the vital humanitarian role played by the Saudi Border Guard, which extends beyond protecting the Kingdom's land and sea borders to include maritime search and rescue operations along the Kingdom's extensive coastlines on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The Jazan region, with its long coastline and attractive beaches, is a major destination for vacationers and water sports enthusiasts, making it even more crucial to have well-equipped rescue teams ready to respond to any emergency around the clock. The Saudi leadership invests heavily in training and equipping these teams with the latest equipment and technologies to ensure the highest levels of safety for beachgoers.

The importance and impact of the incident

At the local level, such successful operations bolster the confidence of citizens and residents in the efficiency of security agencies and their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies. They also serve as a direct awareness message to everyone about the need to exercise caution while swimming. At the national level, these efforts align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and individual safety, particularly with the focus on developing the coastal and leisure tourism sector. Providing a safe marine environment is a fundamental pillar for attracting tourism investments and promoting domestic tourism.

Safety guidelines and recommendations from the Border Guard

The General Directorate of Border Guards reiterated its call to all beachgoers and picnickers to adhere to maritime safety guidelines, most importantly swimming only in designated areas and avoiding dangerous areas with strong currents. It also stressed the importance of not hesitating to seek assistance if one feels threatened, by contacting the unified emergency numbers. The number (911) can be called in the Makkah, Madinah, and Eastern regions, or (994) in the rest of the Kingdom, to ensure assistance arrives as quickly as possible.