Lifeguards and beach safety officers of the Conservation and Fisheries Department are replacing and erecting new beach safety signs on Tortola’s north shore beaches and on Beef Island.

Public rescue equipment installed at the rear of the signs consist of a United States Coast Guard approved life ring and a connected 25-metre (75 feet) floating rope, to be used in cases of emergency.

Lifeguard Supervisor, Mark Street, said the signs contain important information which can minimise risk, injury and loss of life. Street stressed the importance of the public becoming familiar with the signs, which list warning information and the beach safety flag warning system.

“The signs are there to warn and inform persons of the very real dangers associated with visiting the beach and entering the ocean. If in doubt, do not go out. If you can, always swim near a lifeguard. If not, take notice of the beach safety information and never swim alone,” Street added.

Street noted that in an emergency and in the absence of lifeguards, persons requiring the use of the public rescue equipment must throw the ring to the casualty in the water then pull the person to shore.

“They should never enter the water,” Street warned.

The first sign was erected at Little Bay Beach, located on the eastern end of Tortola, which during the ground swell season experiences high swells and strong rip currents.

In the coming weeks, new signs are scheduled to be erected on beaches at Rogues Bay; Trunk Bay, Long Bay, West End; Long Bay, Beef Island and Brewer's Bay. With the installation of additional signage and public rescue equipment, it is envisioned that beach users will be more educated and better informed when visiting the beach as well as to manage any crisis that may arise.

The Beach Safety Unit of the Conservation and Fisheries Department aims to promote safety at beaches throughout the Territory.

Share this story

---