The Emergency Response and Rescue Corps in Gozo will be granted €50,000 as part of the Eco-Gozo action plan scheme launched for non-governmental organisations.
The money will be used to fund the ERRC’s projects Green Wave and Gasart (Gozo Aquatic Search and Rescue Team), promoting the maritime environment and safety at sea among others.
The ERRC will be launching a sea basin cleaning campaign, which would require the cooperation of more than 300 fishermen to remove unused fishing nets from the sea, stopping “ghost fishing”.
In the meantime, the NGO’s lifeguards have been busy assisting swimmers battling the rough seas. The lifeguards assisted three swimmers at Ramla on Thursday. Just 15 minutes after towing a person safely to shore at about 5.30 p.m., the lifeguards rescued two other swimmers caught in strong rip currents.
The lifeguard service at Ramla, sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Gozo Ministry, will run on a daily basis till the end of September.
Support is also provided by Transport Malta, the Civil Protection Department and the Gaia Foundation.
Meaning of flags
Double red flags: Bay closed because of some accident.
Red flag: High hazard/not recommended for swimming.
Yellow flag: Medium hazard/ can swim but with caution.
Green flag: Waters are safe for swimming 100 per cent.
Purple flag: Jellyfish in the area.