From left: Lifeguard Tony Butts; General Manager of the National Conservation Commission (NCC), Keith Neblett; Lifeguard Nakesha Toussaint; Lifeguard Noel St. Hill and CEO at the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Sue Springer, posing with the donated equipment yesterday at Brownes Beach.
Lifeguard shortage
Wed, 05/18/2016 - 12:10am
By:
Patricia Thangaraj
There is currently a shortage of lifeguards on the beaches of Barbados.
Speaking to the media after the presentation of BDS $20 000 of equipment, handed over to the National Conservation Commission (NCC) and the lifeguards at Brownes Beach by The Tourism Fund of The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) yesterday, General Manager of the NCC, Keith Neblett said that they are hoping to have more lifeguards on the beaches before the start of the next winter season.
“Currently, we have 63 lifeguards at the 17 stations. Yes, we are short of lifeguards but we have had some discussions with the Minister of Finance and we are hoping – hopefully it works out before the beginning of the next winter season – that we have some additional lifeguards. Currently we have a minimum of three per station, but really we need about five per station to cover the off days.”
He also praised the lifeguards for the work that they did in the just concluded winter season as there were no drownings and he thanked the BHTA for their generous contribution, stating that over the years they have had a good relationship and the contribution of this equipment would indeed be beneficial to the lifeguards in keeping the beaches safer for both tourists and locals.
Meanwhile, CEO of the BHTA, Sue Springer said that they worked with the NCC to find out what equipment was needed in order to make the lifeguards’ duties more efficient.
She said that they were hoping to get the equipment in the island prior to the winter season, “but it took a little longer than we expected”. However, the equipment would still be in the island in time for Crop Over and the summer vacation for school children, both of which are popular times to visit the beach.
In praising the lifeguards for the work that they do on a daily basis, especially since they are short staffed, Springer said that she hopes this equipment, which includes first aid kits, hats, equipment for CPR, life belts and rescue pads, would prove to be useful to the lifeguards and she looks forward to continuing their partnership. (PJT)