Cox’s Bazar lifeguard service ‘SeaSafe’ faces closure amid funding uncertainty
Launched initially in 2012 and operating as a pilot project since 2014, the service works in shifts to cover the vast beachfront, often risking the lives of its members to save others.
The lifeguard service responsible for ensuring the safety of beachgoers along Cox's Bazar Sea Beach is on the brink of closure, sparking concerns among both locals and tourists who frequent the popular beach.
For years, the SeaSafe project, operating under the Cox's Bazar district administration and implemented by the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) in collaboration with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Monaco Foundation, has deployed 27 trained personnel to monitor the world's largest sea beach, rescuing those swept away by waves and warning swimmers of danger.
However, with the project's funding set to expire in September, the continuation of the service beyond October remains uncertain.
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Imtiaz Ahmed, team manager at SeaSafe project told The Business Standard, "Originally, the project was scheduled to conclude in December 2024. The deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar appealed to the RNLI to extend it, and while the donor initially granted a six-month extension, followed by another three months, the funding now runs only until September."
During meetings with the district administration, beach management committee, and the hotel-motel owners' association, the need to keep the project operational was emphasised, he said, adding, "but we have heard nothing about further extensions."
Launched initially in 2012 and operating as a pilot project since 2014, the service works in shifts to cover the vast beachfront, often risking the lives of its members to save others.
According to team manager Imtiaz, over the past decade, lifeguards have saved 782 people from drowning, though 63 lives were lost despite their efforts and in the past year alone, 78 people were rescued and 11 lost their lives to the sea.
Tourists and residents fear that halting the service could put many more lives at risk.
"The lifeguards are constantly alerting us and ready for rescue operations. Their presence makes us feel safer. Without them, tourists will be at greater risk," said Asifur Rahman, a visitor from Dhaka.
Osman Goni, one of the team leaders from the project, highlighted the personal sacrifices, saying, "We have been working for years on modest salaries, driven by our love for the sea and for people."
Goni noted that they put their own lives on the line. Now, their 27 team members are worried not just about livelihoods, but about the safety of tourists, he said.
Shaikul Islam Helal, senior adviser at the CIPRB, confirmed that the donor has decided not to renew the project.
"We have already spoken to the ministry and the secretariat, but there has been no positive response yet. The deputy commissioner is trying his best to keep the project running."
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin acknowledged the uncertainty, saying that the project could have ended last year, but they kept it going by writing to the donor.
"We have now sent a letter to the ministry, though we have yet to receive a reply. Perhaps they are considering a larger-scale plan," he mentioned.
