Beach safety in the UAE: flags, zones, sun and jellyfish

UAE beaches look calm, but the sea still changes with wind, tide and season. A few rules from the authorities, plus some sun sense, make the difference between a lovely day and a dangerous one.

Choose a lifeguarded beach

• Gulf News reported in 2022 that Dubai's main public swimming beaches are patrolled by lifeguards from sunrise to sunset.
• Abu Dhabi Police advise swimming only in designated areas where lifeguard stations are available.
• Abu Dhabi Police have warned against swimming in a prohibited stretch of coast from Al Bahia to Al Shalila because of currents, underwater obstacles and no rescue teams. Warning signs are posted there.
• If there is no lifeguard and no designated zone, treat that as a reason not to swim, however inviting the water looks.

Read the flags

• Dubai Municipality's beach instructions: red flag means high hazard, do not swim.
• Yellow flag means moderate hazard: swim with caution and follow the lifeguards' instructions.
• Purple flag means potentially harmful marine life, such as jellyfish, has been seen.
• In a 2018 Gulf News report, a diving manager added that if there is no flag at all, no lifeguard is on duty in that area.
• Flag meanings can differ between countries and even between beaches, so read the sign board at each beach you visit.

Dubai Municipality's beach rules

• Do not swim after sunset unless you are at a designated night-swimming beach.
• Do not swim close to rocks or outside the safe zone.
• Children are the responsibility of the adults with them.
• Keep the beach clean and take your rubbish home.
• In May 2023, Dubai Municipality opened night swimming at Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1, with lighting and qualified lifeguards. Swim at night only in these designated zones.

Sea conditions

• Swimming coaches quoted by Khaleej Times advise checking the weather and high tide warnings before entering the sea, and staying where the water is no higher than your chest if you are not a strong swimmer.
• Gulf News (2018) reported a swimming coach explaining that it takes about six hours for the tide to go from low to high, and six more to go back, so the beach can change during a long day.
• Khaleej Times reported in 2021 that one teenager was swept away by high, turbulent waves, and coaches said night swimming is highly discouraged. Rough sea days are days to stay on the sand.
• Stay within the buoy lines and in sight of the lifeguard.

Sun and heat

• The NHS recommends sunscreen of at least SPF 30 with at least 4-star UVA protection.
• The NHS says sunscreen should be reapplied straight after being in the water, even if it is labelled water resistant.
• The NHS suggests adults use around 6 to 8 teaspoons of sunscreen to cover the whole body. Most people use far less.
• Seek shade in the middle of the day. In summer, plan beach trips for early morning or late afternoon, and carry plenty of water. For heat illness signs, see the First Aid and Emergencies module.

Jellyfish

• Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), reported by Gulf News, says jellyfish colonies tend to appear as water temperatures rise in summer.
• EAD identified seven common types in Abu Dhabi waters, the most common being moon jellyfish and blue blubber jellyfish.
• EAD advice: never touch a jellyfish and keep a safe distance. It is sensible not to touch ones washed up on the sand either.
• If you are stung, EAD says to see a doctor, or go to hospital if the sting is serious. People with allergies should take extra care, as stings can cause skin rashes.
• If the purple flag is up, choose another day or another beach.