Thousands of people visit the beautiful beaches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines every year. Our world famous beaches and tranquil waters are not only enjoyed by locals but also by visitors from all over the world. Although our beaches are amazing and possess some of the clearest sailing waters in the world, they can be unpredictable and hide dangers that locals and visitors should be aware of. Below are some very helpful information and advice from the Coast Guard service on Beach Safety, to ensure you enjoy your next visit to the beach and stay safe.

• Look and take notice of the signs posted at the beach
• Ask a lifeguard or someone who frequents the beach for safety advice about the beach
• Learn how to identify a Rip Current
• Swim with a friend - never swim or surf alone
• If you need help, stay calm and attract attention by raising your arm above your head
• Never enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs
• Wear sunscreen, seek shade and stay hydrated
• Check the local forecast, and always wear a life jacket
• If witnessing an in-water emergency dial 999 - Police or 457-4578 – Coast Guard.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets in and the around water. No one should use any other type of flotation device unless they can swim.
• Don’t dive headfirst, protect your neck. Check for depth and obstacles before diving, and go in feet first the first time.
• Pay close attention to children and elderly persons when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause a loss of footing.
• Keep a lookout for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants. Leave animals alone.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear approved life jackets in and the around water. Any other type of flotation device should be used only by persons who can swim.
• Never dive headfirst into water you are not familiar with, protect your neck. Check the depth and for obstructions before diving and go in feet first the first time.
• Always pay close attention to children and elderly persons when at the beach, even when they are in shallow water because wave action can cause them to loss their footing
• .Always keep a lookout for aquatic life, some water plants and animals are dangerous and avoid patches of plants. Leave sea animals alone.

Swimming is a great recreational activity, is rated as the number one physical exercise and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is important to know how to be safe while you are in the water enjoy your swim. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service recommends that you follow these important swimming safety tips before you head out to the pool/river/ beach: 

• Swim in rivers/beaches/pools designated as safe for swimming.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave young children unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear approved life jackets around water, but never rely on life jackets alone.
• Maintain constant supervision of children and non swimmers.
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well.
• If you have a pool, secure access to it with appropriate barriers especially if you have children.
• Avoid all distractions such as reading, talking on the phone, texting, surfing the internet, drinking, smoking etc when supervising children around water.
• If a child is missing, check the water first.
• Have appropriate equipment for reaching, for throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit in the event they are needed.
• Know how and when to call 9-9-9 or other local emergency number.
• Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive and wear sunscreen.
• Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty and avoid alcoholic beverages or drinks containing caffeine.
• Leave marine animals alone and watch out for plants and sea life that can be dangerous.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties where rip currents are common.
• If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim perpendicular to the current.When lightning or a storm is approaching, leave the water immediately.