Beaches to open Monday as temperatures rise
Lifeguards at work at 140 sites
The Interior Ministry announced plans to open beaches throughout the country on Monday as temperatures begin to rise.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry announced plans to staff 140 sites with lifeguards, including 93 along the Mediterranean, 27 on the Sea of Galilee, 16 on the Dead Sea and four along the Red Sea.
Israel formally closes public beaches on an annual basis, opening them up during the dry season.
In an effort to improve public safety, the Interior Ministry launched a PR campaign this year to warn would-be swimmers of the perils of swimming at public beaches without the presence of a lifeguard.
The campaign — conducted in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and Amharic — was broadcast on the Internet, television and radio.
The ministry estimated that 90 percent of drownings occurred during the absence of a lifeguard or other emergency personnel; when swimming was forbidden; or when a swimmer was intoxicated.
The majority of drowning victims were men, ministry data shows.
The Interior Ministry has urged beach patrons to be cautious, to obey safety signs and the orders of emergency personnel.