Odessa, Ukraine, opens some beaches for the first time. Residents | beaches | Ukraine since the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Local officials said on August 12 that several beaches in the Black Sea city of Odessa in Ukraine were officially opened for residents to play for the first time since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but swimming was prohibited during the air raid warning period.
According to Reuters, Odessa, Ukraine's largest port and naval base, has been hit multiple times by missiles and drones since the outbreak of the conflict in February last year, with hundreds of mines covering the sea. For the safety of residents, the coast was closed after a landmine explosion on the beach.
Odessa Governor Ole Kiper stated on the social media platform Telegram that the decision to open the beach was made jointly by the city's civil and military departments, and the beach will be open from 8am to 8pm.
Coast lifeguard Oleksander stated that lightning protection nets were placed between the two docks to prevent swimmers from encountering shallow water mines. "Under these weather conditions, submarine mines can also be seen from the shore. Emergency rescue personnel will come to handle them upon receiving notification."
The report points out that the opening of beaches allows Ukrainians to resume swimming and sunbathing activities, and also provides a good place to stay away from war. Svitrana, a resident of Odessa, said, "I have always dreamed of going to the beach and breathing the salty seaside air. We have always missed this kind of life, but safety is of utmost importance."