Drama on the Kinneret: Popular beach closed due to overcrowding, paddleboarder rescued
At the height of the swimming season, one of the Kinneret's most popular beaches was closed due to extreme overcrowding. Meanwhile, lifeguards prevented a tragedy by rescuing a paddleboarder who had been swept 590 meters offshore by strong winds.
At the height of the swimming and tourism season, hundreds of thousands of Israelis visit the shores of the Kinneret daily. However, on Wednesday, one of the most popular sites, Shakmim Beach, was closed due to severe overcrowding.
In addition to the logistical issues, a major rescue operation took place after a paddleboarder was spotted near the rescue tower, drifting far from the shore. The individual had been swept away by strong winds to a point approximately 590 meters north of BeRaniky Beach. He was not wearing a life vest and was struggling to return to the shore.
According to Yaakov Asher of the Kinneret Cities Association, beach lifeguard Adham Masaroh immediately deployed on a jet ski and successfully brought the young man back to safety.
The Kinneret Cities Association issued the following statement:
«The Shakmim Beach parking lot is full and closed due to overcrowding. Visitors are advised to head to other designated beaches. We urge vacationers not to enter the water on flotation devices during these windy hours due to the danger of being swept away.»
