Dear Editor,
Sadly, in yet another reactive measure by our authorities, stricter safety mechanisms have been enforced at all water facilities in the country. I say reactive because the tragic loss of two young lives has not been the first in recent times at these water facilities. If this firm action was taken from the inception those two young ladies might still be alive today.
While thankful for this belated intervention, I do not think all areas of safety have been covered in this mandate. Anyone who passes along the Linden-Soesdyke highway on weekends and holidays would see these creeks filled to overflowing with patrons. And I think therein lies the core problem. There are too many patrons in a limited space which then becomes difficult to properly monitor even if there are lifeguards around. Example, from media reports of the loss of the two young lives, it was clear that no one that was nearby even knew that the children were in any sort of difficulty. Maybe this was because of the large number of people in the water at that time. If indeed that is the case then lifeguards won’t be of much help unless there are numerous guards. And I am certain the amount of lifeguards will be dictated by the economic viability of the said water facility.
A suggestion is therefore made that officials visit all water facilities — particularly those on the Linden-Soesdyke highway- determine the size of the facility and especially the size of the water course, and then work out a maximum patronage which such facility can safely accommodate at any given time. When this is worked out for each facility the owners should be informed of this number which then becomes official and legally subject to enforcement.
Lastly, there should be an immediate introduction of lifeguard training courses for the general public. So even those who are part of an outing can also act as lifeguards. Or families or groups who are going on these outings can employ their own lifeguard/s. Regu-lar courses in First Aid may also be a very useful form of public training.
Yours faithfully,
M. Abraham
