Eight new lifeguards earn NCC honours

Eight newly trained lifeguards were formally welcomed into the Barbados Lifeguard Service on Wednesday morning, marking the successful completion of the Class of 2025 training programme.

The lifeguards officially graduated during a certificate and awards ceremony held by the National Conservation Commission (NCC) on Brownes Beach, St Michael.

Acting General Manager of the NCC, Kerriann Jessamy said the occasion went beyond handing out certificates, noting that the cohort represented perseverance and resilience. 

“Today is not just about issuing certificates and awards, but it’s also to acknowledge the hard work that these persons have put in over the past couple of weeks and to show their success.”

“We obviously would have started with more persons, but these ones are the ones that fought through and are here being successful,” Jessamy said.

The eight lifeguards emerged from an initial group of 17 after completing 12 weeks of intense training that tested both physical endurance and mental strength. The programme pushed the participants to their physical limits, and also taught them hand signals, marching and water-based rescue techniques.

NCC Chairman Alicia Carter, congratulated the cohort, describing their new role as both challenging and meaningful. 

“Today marks the beginning of a role that is not only demanding, but very rewarding and meaningful. You’ve made it here this far due to your discipline, your competence and your willingness to serve.”

“As lifeguards, you are tasked with one of the greatest responsibilities, the protection of human life,” Carter said, while referring to them as “the doctors of the sea.” Emphasising conduct and professionalism she added, “Every whistle you blow, every directive you give, every decision that you make, it carries great consequences.”

Acting NCC Deputy General Manager, Ricardo Marshall said the graduation comes at a critical time, particularly with high beach usage during the peak tourist season. 

“The cohort of eight who successfully completed the training, this is eight out of 17 that we started with, and that’s testament to the aptitude, the strength, the mindset and the determination of these lifeguards,” Marshall said.

Marshall noted that the NCC’s goal is to have six lifeguards at each of the island’s 15 beach sites, adding that more recruitment is planned. 

“The intention is to advertise pretty soon for another set of lifeguards,” he said.

During the ceremony, the cohort, who refers to themselves as the ‘Suicide Squad’ because of their differences and strong teamwork, carried out live rescue demonstrations, including an aquatic spinal rescue, a 100-metre rescue performed by Alexander Sealy using a rescue board, and a 25-metre approach using a rescue tube.

Special awards were presented to Sharaine Browne for Best Recruit, Agape Henry for Most Improved, Kamaya Louisien for Best Drill and Medic, Jaleil Daniel for Watermanship and Alexander Sealy for Iron Guard.

(LE)