The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has advised people visiting Dhofar Governorate to exercise caution, adhere to the safety regulations and instructions provided, and to avoid approaching rocky cliffs or mountain edges overlooking the sea and unsafe places, not to risk swimming and to supervise children.
This is in the wake of a couple of complaints of missing people in the sea while swimming at unauthorised places, falling from rocky areas or having capsized after boating near prohibited areas, according to the ROP.
“The Coast Guard Police has received several reports of people missing at sea due to boat capsizing or falling from a rocky cliff. We are committed to securing beaches by deploying marine rescue team patrols on beaches that witness a large turnout of visitors to places such as Al Dahariz, Al Hafa, Al Mughsail and Awqad beaches to ensure a rapid response to any reports or incidents that may occur near these sites,” said Lieutenant Mohammed bin Ali al Amri, chief of the Coast Guard Police.
“We also urge fishermen to be forewarned and take all safety measures and not to risk sailing in difficult conditions, with the need to continuously follow up on weather updates issued by the competent authorities,” he added.
Speaking to the media, he said that the ROP carried out its tasks in coordination with the relevant authorities according to a comprehensive plan to secure all tourist sites and organises traffic to reduce congestion and facilitate the movement of visitors, in addition to the deployment of security patrols around the clock to quickly deal with any emergency.
“We have strengthened communication with the public through various channels in order to provide support and assistance and answer inquiries, in addition to organising awareness initiatives aimed at spreading awareness of public and traffic safety,” said Lieutenant Colonel Suleiman bin Said al Jabri.
“We have been working tirelessly in cooperation with the relevant authorities to provide all means and capabilities to ensure a khareef season free of accidents and obstacles based on a comprehensive plan that includes all locations in Dhofar. Our aims are to ensure the safety of visitors, maintain public order and establish security throughout the governorate,” he added. In view of the heavy fog that sometimes makes it dangerous to drive due to lack of horizontal visibility, the ROP further advises all vehicle drivers to adhere to traffic safety standards while driving in order to facilitate ease of traffic movement.
“We remind all vehicle drivers of the need to turn on the directed lights, leave a safe distance, drive at low speeds and not use mobile phones while driving, while ensuring that children do not get out of the vehicle windows while it is moving to ensure their safety.”
When any traffic accident occurs, the centre distributes a quick response code (QR code) to enable visitors to follow the alternate route until work is completed at the accident site.
With thousands of visitors flocking to Dhofar Governorate from various governorates and neighbouring countries, the organisational and security role of the ROP is highlighted in contributing to the success of the khareef season, which confirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of the public and the comfort of visitors.
He further said that the department has dealt with many reports related to vehicle stunt shows on green areas, reckless driving, exceeding the legal speed limit, and hiding vehicle plates.
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