West Coast beachgoers advised to use beaches with lifeguards

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) is advising members of the public to “exercise extreme caution at the beaches, particularly along the western coasts.”

“It is recommended to use beaches with an on-duty lifeguard,” the BMS said in its latest High Surf Advisory.

The BMS added: “A broad area of low pressure in the far northern Atlantic is generating above-normal swells which are propagating into the marine waters of the eastern Caribbean. Since Friday, 9th February 2024, there has been an increase in surf activity along the western coastlines of the island. It is recommended to use beaches with an on-duty lifeguard. This activity is expected to persist into Tuesday, 13th February 2024.

“ Exercise extreme caution at the beaches, particularly along the western coasts.  If venturing into the water, ensure there is an on-duty lifeguard and secure objects that can be swept away by the breaking wave activity,” the advisory stated.

The alert is valid until 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024 or sooner if conditions warrant. 

A High Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses or is forecast to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone during the next 36 hours.