WITH SUMMER VACATION now into its third week, sea bathers are 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 imminent danger.
Lifeguarded beaches 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; Maxwell Beach; Dover Beach and Rockley Beach.
In addition, the NCC has issued the reminder 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 persons should protect their skin from the sun by using sunscreen, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Members of the public are also further advised that they should know 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,” NCC management advised.
They are also urging sea bathers not to go swimming alone, and more importantly, to learn how to help another person by obtaining the necessary safety skills. (BGIS)
