Lifeguards protest working conditions

Augustus Sylvester, Health and Safety Officer with the Lifeguard Service, Ministry of National Security told Newsday they took to the picket line because their superiors were not dealing with their issues.

During the picket, he said Dillon met with them. He told them he was not aware of their concerns and promised to meet with them next week Monday. Also present on the picket line was James Lambert, President General of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers Union.

The NUGFWU represents the lifeguards.

Since the Lifeguard Service was transferred to the ministry 18 months ago, Sylvester said, the working conditions and services now being offered have retrogressed.

Apart from being understaffed, he said, the lifeguards were underpaid and have not had new equipment, including uniforms, for over five years.

“We are in the 21st century and we are working with 1942 equipment.

We have no motorised equipment to do our duties,” he said.

The 120 lifeguards across the country manage the beaches at Salybia, Toco, Mayaro, Manzanilla, Quinam, Vessigny, Los Iros, Maracas, Tyrico and Las Cuevas.

One lifeguard told Newsday that in the past, they were equipped with jet skis, ATVs (all terrain vehicles) and boats, but now they have none.

“We have one or two canoes at Maracas Bay and a rescue can (flotation device that can support the lifeguard’s and the victim’s weight).

“That is all we have,” he said. Noting that even their first aid kits were lacking, he said, that they are embarrassed when tourists seek first aid and they cannot help.

There are many pieces of equipment that they do not have such as duck fins which would help the lifeguard to manouevre faster through currents while swimming to do a rescue.

In addition, he said, lifeguards do not have proper beach footwear.

“We go to the hospitals with victims. We have to go bare feet. That is not right,” he said.

He said lifeguards have no pension plan and no job security.