Rescued from the depths of the Sea of Galilee: Two SUP paddlers were swept hundreds of meters from the shore
A lifeguard who was called to Shikmim Beach located the two at a distance of more than 600 meters from the shore and returned them safely • The Kinneret Cities Association warns: enter the water only at designated beaches and avoid the windy hours.
Two SUP paddlers got into distress today, Wednesday, in the middle of the Sea of Galilee and were rescued safely after being swept into the depths of the lake, near Shikmim Beach, in an area not designated for swimming.
The control room of the Kinneret Cities Association reported that an urgent call was received from the manager of Shikmim Beach, Zvika Milstein, following a report of two paddlers who were unable to return to shore. Milstein immediately alerted the beach lifeguard, Moshe Vazana, who went to the location on a jet ski.
The lifeguard located the two at a distance of more than 600 meters from the shore, as they were exhausted and unable to make progress back. He brought them onto the jet ski and returned them safely to the shore, where they received treatment from the Zinbari-Shikmim beach staff. Their condition was reported as good.
The Kinneret Cities Association reiterates its warning to the public to enter the water only at designated beaches where lifeguard services are operating. It was further stated that in the afternoon hours, the winds on the Sea of Galilee strengthen significantly, and therefore one should avoid entering the water with floating devices during these hours, due to the danger of being swept away.
