Saudi Red Sea Authority introduces new beach safety regulations

The Saudi Red Sea Authority issued new requirements and regulations for beach operators across the Kingdom in late 2025, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce drowning risks. The move aligns with global efforts to prevent drowning, marked annually on July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day.

This regulatory step comes as Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline stretches over 1,800 kilometers, with a growing number of public and private beaches. The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals to develop tourism and improve quality of life.

The new requirements include providing qualified lifeguards, rescue and first aid equipment, separating swimming areas from marine activity zones, assessing beach capacity, as well as construction standards, accessibility for all, requirements for the "Blue Flag" environmental certification, insurance, and environmental permits.

Unified standards and enhanced prevention

Experts noted that the significance of these requirements goes beyond regulatory procedures, as they establish a unified minimum standard among operators and shift risk management from incident response to proactive preparedness. This makes safety a fundamental criterion in beach operations and service quality.

The Authority also emphasized that the effectiveness of this system depends on compliance and ongoing field evaluation, to ensure a safer and more sustainable environment for beachgoers.

Saudi Arabia's approach offers a practical model for the World Drowning Prevention Day theme, with prevention starting before incidents occur through organized licensing, mandatory standards, and continuous readiness—helping to reduce drowning risks and promote sustainability and safety at beaches.