As the 2014 summer vacation kicks off from this week, sea bathers are again being encouraged to go to the beaches manned by lifeguards for their own safety.
The National Conservation Commission???s (NCC) Lifeguard Service is also urging beach users to adhere to all instructions given by lifeguards and observe the flags posted at beaches warning them of possible or eminent danger.
Beaches at which lifeguards are stationed are Bath Beach; Bathsheba; Batt???s Rock; Brandon???s Beach; Enterprise; Folkestone; Graves End/Pebbles; Brownes Beach; Heywoods; Holetown; Royal Pavilion; Needham???s Point; Crane Beach; Dover Beach and Rockley Beach.
Persons are reminded that a yellow flag posted at a beach means that the sea conditions are risky and caution should be exercised when swimming, while a red flag indicates that there should be no swimming at all.
Parents are also reminded that children should remain within arm???s reach while in the water at all times, and everyone should protect their skin from the sun by using sunscreen, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Members of the public are further advised that they should familiarise themselves with the water safety codes, and be aware of water hazards which could include rocks, strong currents, larger breakers and tides. ???Look out for information, warning signs and flags and listen to the lifeguards,??? the NCC management advised.
Sea bathers are urged not to go swimming alone, and more importantly, learn how to help another person by obtaining the necessary safety skills.
julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb