Trinidad & Tobago Lifeguards warn beachgoers and swimmers

#Trinidad & Tobago, October 31, 2019 – The Ministry of National Security, Lifeguard Service Division, wishes to advise the general public and in particular beachgoers to be extremely cautious because of the unusually large waves and strong rip currents that are currently affecting our nation’s beaches.   

The Lifeguard Service Division wishes to further state that these conditions are known to cause serious injuries and in the worst case scenario, may even lead to loss of life.   

This warning comes in light of the Hazardous Seas Alert sent out by the Meteorological Office, which states that rough sea conditions have started to severely affect our nation’s coastlines. 

The public should therefore take note of the following: 

 1. If sea conditions look dangerous to you, one should avoid entering the water;

2. Avoid going to lonely and small beaches where you can be trapped or blocked from the exit route. At times the tide rises quickly, bringing with it powerful and forceful waves;

3. Parents should be within arm’s reach of children at all times. When powerful waves wash to the shore children are pushed into rocks, logs or other objects on the beach and the backwash from the receding waves can sweep them out into deeper waters;

4. Bathers should never over-estimate their swimming ability and attempt to go towards these large waves;

5. Visit the beaches patrolled by Lifeguards and for your safety listen and adhere to the advice of the Lifeguards at all times;

6. Lifeguards patrol the beaches from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on a daily basis. Bathe during these hours for your safety and pay close attention to the colour coded flags and other warnings issued from the Lifeguards on duty;

7. Fishing from rocks or small jetties is dangerous and should be avoided as the new moon and the current spring tide could cause even larger waves; 8. Large waves may also bring logs or other objects in the surf that could strike unsuspecting bathers endangering their lives.

SOURCE:  Trinidad & Tobago Government News