Lifeguards attacked in Turkey for warning swimmers

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

The Şile Ayazma beach is owned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. DHA photo

Three people have been detained for an alleged attack on a lifeguard station on Istanbul’s Şile beach after warning a group of swimmers about the danger of drowning, according to Doğan news agency.

The lifeguards tried to prevent the group from going in the water hours after the bodies of two teenagers, who drowned at the same beach, were pulled out. The group, however, responded harshly, attacking the lifeguards and their station, breaking down the cabin windows.

Police detained three suspects over involvement in the attack. The lifeguards approached the police car while the suspects were being held inside, causing a minor scuffle to break out before officers intervened.

Şile Mayor Can Tabakoğlu visited the scene after the attack and told members of the press that similar incidents have occurred in the past due to inefficient safety measures for lifeguards.

The Şile Ayazma beach is owned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.