Franklin Khan: No plan to hire more lifeguards at beaches

Khan’s comments during yesterday’s sitting of the Senate was in response to a question on what measures Government intended given three recent drownings at the nation’s beaches.

Expressing regrets at the drownings, he said, it was impossible to have lifeguards at all beaches.

However, he said lifeguard services were available at the more popular beaches such as Maracas, Las Cuevas, Manzanilla, Vessigny, and Mayaro.

Noting that one of the drownings was at a pool in Matura, he said, lifeguard services fall under the Ministry of National Security and it was difficult to police all recreational water parks including waterfalls.

He said that the parents of one of those who drowned have asked for more signage, and that it was a fair request to have warning signs such as the depth of pools and where rip currents may occur.

Noting also the recommendation to extend the hours of work for lifeguard on the beaches to possibly two hours after 5 pm, Khan said, he will make a plea for it to be taken onboard.