John: Pay attention to warning signs on beaches

Chief Petty Officer Vinton John of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard is asking persons who visit{{more}} the beaches this summer to exercise caution while swimming.

During an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Thursday, August 5, 2010, John emphasized the importance of obeying caution signs at beaches and “knowing your limits as a swimmer”.

He stated that the Coast Guard has placed caution signs on several beaches throughout St. Vincent including the one at Rawacou, which warns swimmers to stay out of the rough waters.

“We (Coast Guard) have a lot of signs up on the beaches, especially in Rawacou…. We ask persons to look out for the signs, read and obey them, because that is where persons fall into difficulty.

“The signs are up and they don’t pay attention,” John said.

“We are asking people to exercise caution when they go out there. If there are signs posted, please obey the signs, that’s the only way they could help us and help themselves,” he said.

He further cautioned persons to desist from swimming on beaches on the eastern (Windward) side of the island, as they are exposed to the Atlantic which may become rough at times, due to the current.

John advised that persons should learn how to swim, adding that a person should know their limits whether or not they can swim.

“You must learn your limitations. If you know you can only get from here to there, make sure that you go there and get back. Persons who are learning (to swim) we also ask them to swim parallel to the shore, so if you get tired you could just put your feet down (in the sand),” John said.

He further explained that reckless practices should be avoided, such as jumping off cliffs and rocks head first into the water, as persons can hit their heads on rocks beneath the surface. He suggested that if persons are not familiar with the beach, that they enter the water feet first to avoid any serious injury.

He added that parents or guardians must supervise small children in the water at all times.

“Do not leave kids unattended in the water; you have to pay attention to them, especially when the current is really on, you got to pay attention to them,” John emphasized.

John stated that the consumption of alcohol should be avoided when swimming as it impairs the judgment of the swimmer. He added that flotation devices should not be heavily relied on, especially if you are not a good swimmer.

“Don’t really rely on them because what can happen is that you can be on a ‘tube’ and somebody could push you off and if you can’t swim then you can be in trouble,” he warned. He also advised that swimmers never swim alone so that in times of difficulty they can easily get help from a partner.

John said that the Coast Guard is frequently patrolling the beaches to ensure that persons are adhering to safety practices.

“If we see people doing things wrong we try to talk to them,” he said, noting that persons sometimes disregard the Coast Guard’s advice.