Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality has launched an intensive training program to best prepare the 'Life Team' that will be on duty on the Karasu, Kaynarca and Kocaeli coasts with the approach of summer. The aim is to ensure the highest level of safety for holidaymakers on the 54-kilometer long coastline and to minimize possible sea accidents.
A Rigorous Selection Process and Intensive Training Program
Sakarya's 'Life Team', considered one of Türkiye's most successful lifeguard teams, went through a meticulous selection process before starting their duties. Lifeguard candidates, who were selected as a result of rigorous interviews and difficult exams, have now entered a comprehensive training process. This training aims to equip them with the right and fast response to the victim, effective rescue techniques with various equipment, and coast guard issues.
Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Exercises Together
In the first phase of the training program, lifeguard candidates attended a three-day theoretical training at the Karasu Social Development Center and coastal area. During this phase, they received detailed information on topics such as sea safety, first aid principles, communication skills and the basic principles of rescue operations.
After the theoretical training, practical training started at Karasu Beach. At this stage, the lifeguard team experienced in detail how to safely approach a casualty in distress at sea, techniques for entering the water without equipment, methods for transporting the casualty to a safe area, and first aid techniques that should be performed at the scene. These practical studies, carried out with the guidance of trainers, allowed the candidates to reinforce their theoretical knowledge on real scenarios.
Equipment Rescue and Inshore Intervention Training
In the final and critical phase of the training process, candidates developed their skills in using professional rescue equipment effectively. Various rescue drills were conducted with vital equipment such as rescue belts, lifebuoys, torpedoes and rescue balls. In addition, intervention methods for emergencies that may occur on the beach were demonstrated in a one-on-one practical manner. In this way, lifeguards were prepared for all kinds of incidents that may be encountered both at sea and on the beach.
Fire Department Aims for “Zero Casualties”
Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department Lifeguard Group Chief Samet Karaca made important statements regarding the meticulous training process. Karaca said, “We took our lifeguard candidates to a very comprehensive and meticulous training process before the 2025 summer season. First, we included the candidates who were successful in the selections we held at the Sakarya Olympic Swimming Pool in the beach training. We implemented an intensive training program on water rescue techniques, basic life support artificial respiration and emergency medical intervention for a week. Our entire team is currently fully prepared for duty. We will be on duty as of June 75 with our experienced team of 1 people in total on the Karasu, Kocaali and Kaynarca beaches. We have placed the necessary warning signs for the safety of our citizens in risky areas where lifeguard service is not provided. We will intervene immediately with our fast-acting jet teams against possible notifications. As in previous years, our biggest goal this year is to prevent a single loss of life on our beaches.”
Sakarya's 'Life Team' is preparing to work with determination to repeat the success it has shown in previous years in ensuring the safety of millions of tourists coming to the region with 'zero loss of life' and to complete the 2025 summer season in the same way without any pain. These comprehensive trainings will make a significant contribution to Sakarya's beaches providing a safe holiday environment throughout the summer.
