Kocaeli municipality launches summer beach safety season

Kocaeli Büyükşehir Belediyesi opened the 2024 KOSKEM (Coastline Water Accident Prevention Center) season on 13 June, deploying lifeguard teams to 13 beaches along the Black Sea and Marmara coasts. The operation involves 158 staff members, including 62 fire‑department personnel, 96 volunteers and NGO workers, equipped with 14 jet‑skis, two zodiac boats and safety gear. Since its inception in 2005, KOSKEM has assisted over 23,000 citizens and rescued 1,906 people from drowning risk in the previous season.

In parallel, municipal crews have been cleaning, repairing and enhancing the beaches. Work includes sand replenishment, removal of debris, construction of wooden walkways, installation of showers, toilets and changing‑room cabins, and placement of informational signage, especially at Blue‑Flag certified sites. The municipality aims to provide clean, safe and comfortable coastal areas for residents and visitors during the summer months.