Jet ski, speedboat and other pleasure craft operators are being reminded to stay outside of buoyed areas to avoid accidents with sea bathers, swimmers and snorkelers.
Shipping Superintendent in the Ministry of International Business and International Transport, Walter Best said the activities by some jet ski and speed boats users indicated that they were not properly briefed, or that they ignored the briefings.
Best said there were still reports of jet skis and other pleasure craft going into the Bridgetown Port and buoyed areas, or venturing too close to sea bathers. He explained that swim areas along the West and South Coast beaches were usually cordoned off with buoys placed at least 60 metres into the water, or further back depending on the popularity of the beach.
“The buoyed areas are set aside to protect sea bathers, swimmers and snorkelers. If vessels go inside these areas, or approach too close, they could injure, maim or kill one of those persons. So, we are appealing to operators to desist from entering or approaching buoyed areas…,” Best advised.
He warned that it was an offence to take any speedboat, surfboard, or any other watercraft into areas designated for sea bathing, diving, and snorkeling.Best also warned beach goers against bathing outside the buoyed areas which were instituted for their protection. Divers were also urged to use dive flags for their own safety. (BGIS)
