COLOMBO, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) has rescued 21 local and foreign tourists from drowning during lifesaving operations conducted in January, SLCG said in a press release on Saturday.

The coast guard said it operates 17 lifesaving posts at key tourist beaches around the island. Rescue missions from these have saved 15 foreign nationals and six Sri Lankans from strong currents and rough seas.

Since its establishment in 2010, coast guard lifesavers have rescued 2,568 people, including 1,179 foreign nationals, according to official data.

Sri Lanka's beaches attract thousands of visitors each year, particularly during the peak tourism season, prompting authorities to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response teams at popular coastal locations. ■