Swimmers and mariners are being warned to keep a safe distance from 28 coastal areas across Malta and Comino due to the risk of falling rocks and boulders.Transport Malta issued the warning in a local notice published in the Government Gazette, identifying a number of restricted areas including parts of St Thomas Bay, Ġnejna Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa.“Rockfalls can occur at any coastal location around the Maltese Islands in the vicinity of cliff faces or where overhanging rock formations exist,” the authority warned. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)Mariners, vessel operators and swimmers are being urged to remain vigilant and stay away from cliff faces, while those navigating close to cliffs and cave entrances should exercise “extreme caution”.Transport Malta explained that Malta’s geological characteristics, together with natural erosion caused by waves, strong winds and rainfall, can result in rocks and boulders becoming dislodged without warning.The risk can be particularly present around sea caves, arches, stacks and cliff faces.Black-and-white buoys are also set to be installed to mark the boundaries of the restricted areas.The 28 locations identified are:Għar Għana and Santa Maria Caves in Cominoareas around Mellieħa including Il-Ponta tal-Aħrax, Daħlet ix-Xilep, Irdum il-Ħmar and L-ImġiebaħIrdum il-Bies, Il-Veċċja and Qala tal-Għażżelin in St Paul’s BayGħar id-Dud in SliemaIl-Ponta tal-Imgerbeb in Vallettaareas around Fort Ricasoli and the former Bighi Hospital in RinellaDawret ix-Xatt in XgħajraGolf l-Abjad in ŻabbarŻonqor, St Thomas Bay and several areas around Munxar in MarsaskalaIl-Ħofriet and Delimara PointGħar Ħasan; Blue Grotto; Għar LapsiFomm ir-Riħ; Ta’ Marija CavesĠnejna Bay; and areas around Għajn Tuffieħa.Swimmers and anyone heading out to sea are being encouraged to respect the restricted areas and maintain a safe distance from potentially unstable cliff faces.Share this with someone who regularly swims or heads out to sea around Malta•