Kiryat Haim is once again revealed as Haifa's neglected step-sister
A few months ago, we reported in Chai Pa on the catastrophic condition of Naut beach in Kiryat Haim: Tower No. 1 and the access road to it were in a shocking state, when due to a lack of sand in the place (as is the case in all parts of the country, this is a wide-ranging problem), tubes were formed under the lifeguard's arbor (No. 1 , as mentioned) and under the access path to the sukkah, until the waves penetrated under the bathing point. (see photos).
It was, as mentioned in the previous article, an actual safety failure, when the path had already begun to collapse in on itself and electrical wires were laid bare on the ground.
Well, after the publication of the article (and possibly also due to additional inquiries), the problems were taken care of by the municipality. (see photo)
The treatment, by the way, was carried out by injecting sand, which we also reported on in Hai Pa (in the article in the link).
If so, problem solved. Currently, the security flaw has been removed. A moment for the benefit of those who haven't been to the Middle East recently, or haven't had time to feel the steamy heat that already plagues our regions - we'll update and say that summer is already here, almost in full force, and bathers are coming to the beaches in droves. The same is true in Kiryat Haim, whose beach is one of the favorite and popular attractions among its residents and the residents of the neighboring Kiryats. If so, why is the lifeguard arbor in question still closed??
We are already on the outskirts of July, the children's summer vacation is already here, and in addition to that, July is known as a time when the sea becomes more and more rough, and the following August - even rougher than that.
It is unlikely that only two lifeguard towers are responsible for this entire stretch of beach, which serves thousands of bathers from all over the islands! Let's add to this the fact that at certain points on the beach there are rip currents, so these places are completely blocked from bathers, which further reduces the bathing area and burdens more bathers on the free space.
The waves, which will get stronger as the summer progresses, will make lifeguards' work more difficult and increase the risk of injury.
The very fact that it has already been a month (!) since the dumping of sand at Kiryat Haim beach and the section of the beach controlled by this lifeguard pavilion has not yet been opened for bathers, is at least puzzling, and not least - simply infuriating. Why in Kiryat Haim, unlike Haifa, can't the bathers enjoy a wider stretch of beach?
It cannot be so. Kiryat Haim is an inseparable part of Haifa, and its residents and the residents of the other Kiryats who use the beach, do not have the possibility to enjoy their sea in an acceptable way and as they deserve. Everyone is forced to crowd into one small stretch of beach, although there is the option of using a much more spacious stretch of beach. By the way, make no mistake, it is not just about entering the water, even sitting on the sand in the section in question is not possible, since it is blocked and inspectors prevent people from accessing it.
There is no logic or reasonable reason for this. Swimmers from swimming groups active in Kiryat Haim, complained to me that their sports activities are affected by the closed section of the beach, because they cannot cross it and the sequence of training is interrupted. Some of them, having no choice, are forced to leave Kiryat Haim and travel to other beaches, far from where they live, just to maintain a continuous training routine. Why?
And perhaps the most critical point, which requires emphasis, is the unreasonable burden that is directed, as a result, towards the rescuers.
Fortunately for us, we have excellent and professional lifeguards who work very hard to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the bathers. But why make it difficult for them and put it to the test? Even the most talented lifeguards can watch over a limited number of bathers, and the terrain allows it, why not create a safer situation and prepare a recipe for disaster?
Whatever the reason, the safety of the bathers and the well-being of the residents should be the first priority and above all other considerations.
The reason for the existence of three shelters at Kiryat Haim beach is simple: need them. They have been used in all the years, because there is a real need for them. So what could be the reason for not activating them now?
The Haifa Municipality responded:
There are three lifeguard stations in Neot Beach: one of the stations was temporarily closed due to a safety problem caused by the severe erosion, despite the sand feeding that was done at the beginning of the season in order to enable the station to operate. The Haifa Municipality is working with the Ministry of Environmental Protection to continue feeding the sand until the danger is removed and the station is reopened.
Yes, the lifeguard stations at Naut Beach operate like all the lifeguard stations in Haifa according to the regulation of bathing places and are staffed at all hours when lifeguard services are provided - with at least three lifeguards.
Say thank you to the Israeli government that sold our stretch of beach in Kiryat in favor of a monstrous Sinai port that stopped the sand drift and caused tremendous damage to the beaches of Kiryat in general and Kiryat Haim in particular and now we receive polluted sand pumped from the Kishon area and the port
True Yahav.
Not only the rescuers' huts were damaged, the long stretch of beach serves many residents and not just Kiryat Haim. But the beauty of the area around all the coves, but the access to the beach makes ugly old houses stand out. The beauty of the area overlooking the Carmel strip to the south and Acre to the north must be renovated or highlighted.
Save your souls and especially the souls of the children.
The sea in July and August is not calm. Danger of drifting in.
Eddy currents that are not visible from the outside, i.e. from the shore.
Well done for the article.. we saw the pit under the lifeguard's shed and the drift of sand under it.. and you are very right about the abandoned sheds.. and it is heartbreaking that the people are in the water and without adequate supervision..
All the promenades were designed too close to the water line, like this both in Bat Galim and on the Carmel beach.
In the Carmel beach, the width of the parking strip is 3 times to 10 times!! Wider than the width of the pedestrian promenade, just to understand the absurdity
And the width of the beach is only twice as wide as the boardwalk street, in some places it is even narrower than the boardwalk.
Atrocious planning by planners who later received awards and sat on planning committees and destroyed more and more and more.
Wild boar is better instead of cliche