August 10, 2016: The Ministry of National Security’s Lifeguard Services Division is advising citizens to exercise caution at all times at the nation’s beaches and take responsibility for their personal security, especially at beaches where there is no presence of trained and certified Lifeguards on duty.
Over the weekend, four persons lost their lives to the waters of beaches in Mayaro and Manzanilla. The Ministry extends sincerest condolences to the families who have been affected by these tragic incidents.
Currently, the Ministry of National Security has Lifeguards on duty at ten (10) of our nation’s beaches covering the period 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. These beaches are as follows: Maracas Bay, Tyrico Bay, Las Cuevas, Salybia, Toco, Mayaro, Manzanilla, Los Iros, Vessigny and Quinam.
In the interest of safety, the public is encouraged to utilize these guarded beaches only during the times specified, when a professional Lifeguard is present to advise on safe bathing conditions and to keep a watchful eye on sea bathers.
Citizens are urged to be extra vigilant when swimming and to keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Make sure that lifeguards can see you when you are in the water;
- Do not allow family members and friends to go into the water if they have consumed alcohol;
- Do not bathe directly in front of a red flag. A red flag indicates areas that may have rip currents, rocks or other hidden projections in the water;
- Never go swimming alone. If you should get into difficulty, there will be no one to call or go for assistance;
- Non-swimmers and weak swimmers should never go beyond waist-high water;
- If you find yourself in trouble while swimming, try not to panic, get on your back and float; wave your hand and attract attention or attempt swimming parallel to the shore;
- If you see someone in trouble in the water, alert the Lifeguards or throw something that can float in the vicinity of the person. Do not put your own life in danger by entering the water.
- Cooperate with the Lifeguards on duty and their safety instructions;
- Parents are encouraged to take responsibility for their family.
The Ministry of National Security will continue to support the Lifeguard Services Division so as to provide them with the requisite capacity and capability to keep our country’s bathers safe and secure.
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For more information please contact:
Corporate Communications Unit (CCU)
Ministry of National Security
Temple Court I, 31-33 Abercromby Street
PORT-OF-SPAIN
Phone: (868) 624-5771/ 623-7881 Ext. 12277/12800