32 people drowned, 146 rescued since beach season started

Deputy Minister of Emergencies Faig Taghizadeh said 39 state-owned beaches are functioning in Azerbaijan now. 14 of them are in Absheron peninsula, APA reports.

"All of the state-owned beaches have been supplied with necessary rescue facilities and rescuers," the Deputy Minister said.

Taghizadeh also said there are a total number of 180 beaches in the country, 70 of which are functioning at present. 32 persons drowned and 146 rescued since the beach season started in Azerbaijan.

The statistics was 95 and 264 accordingly last year. The deputy minister said the cases of drowning have reduced as a result of the Ministry’s preventive measures. Taghizadeh also said three of the 32 drowned in state-owned beaches, one in private and 28 in illegally functioning beaches. 11 of them were drunk while entering the sea and some drowned in evening hours.

The deputy minister also stressed local authorities together with the Ministry should recommend the people not to go to illegal beaches.

He noted beaches lacking necessary rescue facilities will not be allowed in the next beach season. He also said the ministry is raising awareness among the people on the conditions of beaches, "There are dangerous areas in Shuvelan, Mardakan, Bilgah and several other beaches."