ODPM: Beware beach swells, high waves

In a release ODPM cited a bulletin issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TTMET) which stated that long period swells generated by a disturbance in the Northern Atlantic Ocean are expected to affect the coastlines of both Trinidad and Tobago from this week.

“These long period swells may result in increased wave heights along the North coast of Trinidad and the sheltered coastlines of Tobago, resulting in battering waves. As such, there will be localised disruptions to sea bathing and near shore coastal activities,” the release stated.

ODPM reported that Tobago will experience these effects earlier than Trinidad and conditions in both islands will worsen during high tide.

“Citizens, particularly those residing in coastal areas, fisher-folk, small craft operators, sea bathers and all other marine interests are asked to be on alert and exercise caution when on the nation’s beaches,” ODPM stressed.

ODPM listed seven simple tips for beach safety: 1. If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight the current.

2. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward the shore.

3. If you feel you cannot make it to the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.

4. Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties, because permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

5. If someone is in trouble in the water get help from a lifeguard; if a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 811, 999 or 511 in Trinidad and 211 in Tobago. Throw the victim something that floats – e.g. a life jacket, styrofoam cooler or inflatable ball – and yell instructions of how to escape the current.

6. When at the beach, check conditions before entering the water.

Check to see if any warning flags are up or as a lifeguard about water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.

7. Most importantly heed the warning whistles from the lifeguard, this can prevent you from entering rough waters.

The ODPM stated that it remains committed to building the resilience and ensuring the safety of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

“We wish to remind you to take all necessary precautions to preserve life and property,” the ODPM added.

Anyone experiencing any emergency is asked to contact their Customer Care Centre at 511 or 911 in Trinidad and 211 for the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). For additional safety tips and information, check our website www.odpm.gov.

tt, social media pages and their mobile application Disaster Ready.TTMET in a separate release reported that Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models forecast northerly swells early this week with periods or wave intervals in excess of 12 seconds.

TTMET explained that the time between successive swell crests will be 12 seconds or more.