September 21, 2026
The Media and Public Relations Department of the General Directorate of Civil Defence issued the following statement:
The General Directorate of Civil Defence, in cooperation with the Cedars Phoenix and EQUAL associations, organised an activity on the Dbayeh beach to enable people with visual impairments to swim safely, confidently and independently, in an environment and with equipment suited to their needs.
Twenty blind participants took part, alongside 18 volunteers. They swam in the sea accompanied by members of the Civil Defence Sea Rescue Unit, who ensured safety measures and accompanied the participants throughout.
Swimming float boards provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) Lebanon office were also distributed, as part of supporting water safety and preventing drowning.
The initiative promotes the right of people with visual impairments to take part in sporting and recreational activities, especially swimming, in safe conditions. The Civil Defence took part, on the instructions of Brigadier General Khreich, as part of its role in promoting a culture of safety and prevention and supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities.