Marine Unit warns Bajans against risky sea activity during storms

The Police Force Marine Unit is urging Barbadians to stay out of the sea during adverse weather, warning that ignoring official advisories can endanger their lives.

The call came during Saturday’s hurricane preparedness showcase hosted by the St Philip West District Emergency Organisation (DEO) outside the Emerald City Supermarket in Six Roads. Representatives of several agencies, including the fire service, police and the Department of Emergency Management, presented information to the public.

Constable Kenrick Eversley told 0 that the unit continues to face major challenges during the hurricane season, particularly with swimmers and surfers who take unnecessary risks despite warnings.

“Now, with adverse weather, we know we get high surf, and what actually happens is a lot of swimmers or surfers go out, and then we have to come to rescue them if the equipment that they’re using fails, and the sea sweeps them away, or the result is probably a drowning and we have to do recoveries,” he said.

“So that’s one of the things that we are challenged with during this time of the year.”

Eversley further called on the public to take weather warnings and beach advisories seriously, noting, “Take all the leads from the Met Services, and adhere to advisories, and to the authorities on the beach when they give warnings to ask you not to go swimming.”

Constable Kemar Millar walks a member of the public through the various drone equipment the police use during search and rescue operations.

He shared that the unit also plays a role in ensuring that all seafaring persons take proper precautions.

“For us at the Marine Unit, a part of our role is to ensure that all persons, all seafaring persons, guarantee that they secure their vessels… and take into account the advisories and don’t go swimming when [there is] adverse weather,” he said.

“In the aftermath of the storm, we go around and make checks to make sure that all vessels are secure, there’s no debris in the ports—all these kinds of things are important—and we ensure that we take good effect in doing our jobs when we do these kinds of things.”

Saturday’s event was one in a series of public education efforts led by the DEO.

Chairperson Natasha Morgan said the goal is to give residents the tools they need to prepare for disasters rather than waiting on emergency services.

She also encouraged every household to have a go-bag with essentials such as water, flashlights, medication and non-perishable food to last at least three days. (SM)