In the coastal enclave of Gaza, amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflict, lifeguards embody resilience and dedication as they work to keep swimmers safe in turbulent waters. Despite facing significant challenges—including a shortage of equipment and the devastation of infrastructure—they remain committed to their role, protecting the lives of families in a place where leisure is scarce. This article explores the persistent spirit of these guardians of the sea, revealing how they navigate adversity while offering hope and security to their community.
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Ahmed Abu Haseira stands waist-deep among swimmers, scanning the crowded water and gesturing with his hands to move people away from any potential dangers. The experienced lifeguard traverses the Gaza City shoreline, keeping a vigilant eye on children and tracking swimmers as they disappear beneath the waves only to re-emerge. When he needs immediate attention, he blows a whistle, an essential tool he and his colleagues share during their shifts.
Tragically, Abu Haseira’s personal life has been marked by loss; an Israeli airstrike in August 2024 destroyed his home, claiming the lives of his wife, three children, father, and several other family members. Surviving his injuries, he returned to the water. The beach represents one of the few havens for Palestinians in Gaza, where they can momentarily escape the heat and pressures of ongoing conflict. Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, lifeguards like Abu Haseira dedicate long hours to monitoring swimmers with limited resources.
Approximately 120 lifeguards are currently employed along Gaza’s beaches, a decrease from around 140 before the war. Ibrahim Shamlakh, head of the municipality’s marine rescue department, notes that although infrastructure has been significantly compromised, efforts have been made to invigorate lifeguard presence this summer. “We deployed more lifeguards and strengthened the areas where there are crowds,” he states, marking a determined response to the grim realities faced by the coastal city.
Before the conflict, lifeguards operated from elevated towers equipped with sound and communication systems. These vital structures are now mostly gone, forcing teams to utilize makeshift setups that limit their visibility. “If someone stands in front of us in the tent, they block our vision,” Shamlakh explains, further emphasizing the operational difficulties they must overcome. Despite these obstacles, lifeguards manage between 20 to 50 rescue incidents daily, with numbers swelling during crowded periods.
Bilal Bakar, a lifeguard of 15 years, describes the increasing challenges without the essential equipment that once facilitated their duties. “People can barely hear us,” he laments, as lifeguards rely on flags to designate safe swimming areas and use whistles to communicate danger amid the chaos. The costs of necessary materials have soared due to restrictions, making vital tools less accessible.
As the situation intensifies, lifeguards willingly extend their hours, often volunteering beyond their official responsibilities to prevent drowning incidents. “For me, saving a life is a great honor and gives me comfort,” Abu Haseira shares, revealing a profound connection to his lost family. This bond fuels his commitment to ensure the safety of others even in the face of personal tragedy.
Thus, despite diminishing resources and pervasive uncertainty, Gaza’s lifeguards continue their noble work year after year. They embody a collective resolve to protect their community, transcending generations while representing the unwavering spirit of hope amid adversity.
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