Though the calm waters and the cool tropical sea breezes offered by local beaches seem most inviting during public holidays, specifically Easter weekend in T&T, beach and river patrons need to pay close attention to safety guidelines from the Ministry of Tourism. Lifeguards will be out in full force over the weekend to enforce those guidelines for the protection of beachgoers. Last year's Easter weekend resulted in three people drowning at Mayaro and Manzanilla beaches. In a telephone interview, Water Safety Education Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Wayne Drysdale, said the average beachgoer tended to ignore the majority of water safety guidelines.
Drysdale, who has over 20 years experience on T&T's beaches, said the advice of lifeguards was often resisted by swimmers who felt they were capable of securing themselves. "People are not fully aware that a lifeguard's job is prevention. While they are bathing and enjoying the water, we are monitoring the conditions and the movement of the water so we see things the swimmer will not," said Drysdale. He added that when lifeguards were caught in arguments by resistant beachgoers, it took away their attention from the other people on the beach. He said that being safe in the water was not just about being able to swim.
Drysdale also said that although approximately 180 lifeguards will be on duty between 10 am and 5.30 pm during the Easter weekend, the influx of large crowds heightened the risk of drowning. Because the sea is generally more calm at this time of the year, swimmers and waders are not aware of the potential threats to their safety.
Here are some tips to help keep you safe at rivers and beaches during and after the Easter weekend:
• Be aware of rip currents. Rip currents start from the beach and can pull you out far into the sea. They can be identified by a long brownish line of water, criss-cross waves and debris or garbage in specific areas.
• If you encounter small potholes while walking in the water turn back. Small potholes often lead to large sinks or dips in the ocean floor."
• Don't partake of alcohol. Alcohol is used for drowning sorrows but the use of alcohol at beaches or rivers can lead to actual drowning.
• Weak and non-swimmers should avoid the use of floatation devices as they present a false sense of security. These devices drift easily when faced with breeze and currents and can take the swimmer into dangerous waters.
• Do not swim past buoys as they are there to protect swimmers from passing boats.
• After eating, wait at least one hour before going into the water. When digesting food the body uses up to 55 per cent of energy blood and oxygen to digest food. This does not allow for an adequate flow of oxygen and blood to get to muscles resulting in painful cramps.
• Avoid swimming out alone.
• Keep children safe and be aware of their locations, especially on large crowded beaches.
• Pay attention to coloured flags in the water. Red and yellow flags denote patrolled areas and are safe for swimming. Red flags signify dangerous waters.
• Pay attention to lifeguard whistles and warnings. Co-operate with lifeguards to ensure your safety.
This Easter weekend lifeguards will be stationed at the following ten beaches: Toco, Maracas, Tyrico, Las Cuevas, Salybia, Manzanilla, Mayaro, Los Iros, Vessigny and Quinam.
For those who prefer to abstain from the congestion at the nation's beaches, here are some other Easter family activities:
• Kite-flying at the Queen's Park Savannah.
• Harry's Water Park, Rio Claro.
• Picnics at the San Fernando Hill or Botanical Gardens.
• NLCB's Day at the Races, Arima Race Track, Santa Rosa Park, on Easter Monday.
• Buccoo crab and goat races on Tuesday in Tobago.
• Jazz in the East Speyside, Tobago.