Sri Lanka’s Coast Guard rescued 19 people from drowning in April, of whom 14 were foreign tourists and five were locals, officials said. The rescues were carried out across a network of 16 lifeguard posts operated along key coastal areas as the country’s beach-tourism season picks up.
Those rescued ranged in age from five to 62 and included nationals of France, Germany, Russia, India, Switzerland and Australia. Officials said trained personnel deployed at the lifeguard posts had responded rapidly to in-water emergencies, with stepped-up beach safety measures put in place amid increased visitor activity.
Cumulatively since its establishment in 2010, the Coast Guard has saved 2,629 lives as of April 30, 2026, of which 1,221 were foreign nationals. Authorities said the figures underscored the role the service plays in protecting both local and international visitors as Sri Lanka continues to attract growing numbers of tourists.
The April rescue tally comes as tourist arrivals topped 858,000 for the year through April on the back of a renewed visitor push, even as broader arrivals growth has slowed earlier in the year.
Source: The Island.
