Today, Thursday, April 15, 2010 marks the start of swim season in 136 beaches around Israel. As such, swimming is authorized in areas permitted while lifeguards are on duty. The season was kicked off in a modest ceremony on an Ashdod beach attended by Interior Minister Eli Yishai.

Of the beaches opening today, 77 are along the Mediterranean shore, 40 along the Kinneret, 7 by the Dead Sea and 12 along the Red Sea. There are 21 additional authorized beaches this year. The season officially ends on October 17, 2010.

42 fatal drowning were recorded last year, most on beaches along the Mediterranean, most at sites unauthorized for swimmers and therefore, no lifeguards were present.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)