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Beach Police: Officers to Carry Guns at French Seaside This Summer

© AFP 2023 / Robin Van LonkhuijsenFrench beach patrol officers will be granted the right to carry arms at some of France's busiest beaches this summer.
French beach patrol officers will be granted the right to carry arms at some of France's busiest beaches this summer. - Sputnik International
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The impact of recent terror attacks in Europe has prompted rather dramatic action in France, with specialist police lifeguards given the right to carry arms while on patrol at busy French beaches this summer, in an unprecedented move.

The developments come as a safety precaution for French police, after a policeman and his partner were murdered in their home outside of Paris earlier this month, and follows last year's terror attacks in the French capital.

"This is the first time that these officers will be armed. Normally throughout July and August they are in their swim suits and unarmed," said SGP-FO police union representative Nicolas Comte.

​Selected beach patrol officers will have the right to carry guns at some of France's busiest beaches, a measure Comte says is necessary to "ensure their safety."

"We can see these days that the police are the target of terrorists, but this is also to ensure the police are ready to respond in the event of an armed attack," he said.

"This is a win-win situation for everyone. It means that there are people to provide security for everyone when they are on the beach."

Concerns Over Guns on the Beach

The announcement has raised concerns that beach-goers might be out off by seeing armed officers patrol the French coast, however Comte moved to allay concerns, saying the guns would be held in special cases adapted the officers' swimwear.

"Holidaymakers will not see police in heavy armor, they will see lifeguards," he said.

​The development is just one of many security concerns to be introduced in the wake of November's Paris terror attacks.

​French officials declared in a state of emergency following the attacks, which gave police and security officials more powers while on duty.

Although the state of emergency is set to expire at the end of July, government officials said it would continue to allow police officers to carry arms with them at all times, even while off duty.

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