Shocking! No lifeguards at any VG beaches
Former BVI Tourist Board Director Sharon Flax-Brutus has raised concerns about the absence of lifeguards at Virgin Gorda beaches, a popular tourist destination.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio show on ZBVI recently, she highlighted the potential dangers this situation poses, particularly as thousands flock to the island’s shores annually.
Flax-Brutus, now a tourism experience curator, expressed alarm over the safety of beachgoers, especially when conditions are hazardous. “We do not have any lifeguards on Virgin Gorda, at any of the beaches,” she said. “Not even during [the tourist] season,” she added, emphasising the seriousness of the situation.
Virgin Gorda is renowned for its picturesque beaches such as The Baths, Spring Bay, and Savannah Bay. These locations attract thousands of visitors annually, many of whom are unaware of the lack of safety measures. With the current tourism season expected to bring in even more visitors, Flax-Brutus believes urgent attention is needed to address this issue.
During the interview, host Violet Gaul recalled witnessing dangerous conditions at one of the beaches recently. “The waves were so high, and I looked over and thought, my lord in heaven, why is it so calm everywhere you look but at that particular beach?” She added that the conditions at the specific beach were so rough that she wouldn’t allow even an animal to swim there.
Virgin Gorda had a lifeguard programme in the past, but Flax-Brutus noted that it has significantly dwindled. “There is a lifeguard programme, but it is not as large as it was years ago,” she said. She estimates that there are currently only two or three lifeguards across the territory, none of whom are stationed in Virgin Gorda.
The former tourism director also mentioned past efforts to remedy the situation, including discussions around twinning lifeguard programmes with other regions like California during their off-season. Unfortunately, these proposals did not come to fruition.
Virgin Gorda’s beaches are among the top attractions for visitors to the British Virgin Islands, offering pristine, tranquil environments. However, these otherwise idyllic spots could become hazardous without lifeguards, especially for families and inexperienced swimmers.
Flax-Brutus urged for immediate action to protect both locals and visitors. With the island’s popularity continuing to grow, particularly among luxury travellers, she believes that enhancing beach safety is not only necessary but also vital for maintaining the island’s reputation as a top tourist destination.
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There are no life guards at none of the beaches in the BVI.
There is usually one at Smugglers Cove Beach.
Its … one left over from the lifeguard program from more than a decade ago..
Perhaps $220,000.00 could pay for a life guard or two?
Go ahead sponsor Vybz Kartel. They have money for party after party but health clinics closed, police station closed, don’t get me started the list of essential services closed & not working is too long.
When you travel to other destinations, how often do you find beaches with lifeguards?
I think signs like the about should be posted at all beaches
When are there ever life guards on any of the beaches in the BVI? Seriously asking because im an avid beach goer and i’ve never seen a life guard on duty, a life guard tower, or booth much less?
Just know BVI Gov noticed that? The lifeguards are being neglected for a long time and their budget is usually only reduced. We should have many more lifeguards. In VG I would say at least 2 at The Baths, 1 at Savannah Bay. In Tortola 1 at Smuggler’s, 1 at Cane Garden and 1 at Josiah’s. At Beef Island 1 at Long Bay. That’s the MINIMUM. Ideally Anegada and JVD should have at least one lifeguard on duty also. And of course, the team should be larger as they have leave periods, some moments we might need more than 1 per beach, etc.
Time to step up such a important program!
is the local elected politicians do not believe in lifeguards for BVI visitors. The loud and clear message to all visitors is enter the BVI and do everything at YOUR OWN RISK especially any activity in or near the sea.
BVI visitors are simply excluded from safety.
Shocking indeed! The VI is a reactive society ; it needs to be more proactive. It should drive events, not just react to events. The VI is a premier small tourist destination . Tourism is one-half of the VI ‘s economic twin-pillars. Secondly, beaches, ie, the sea is the major attraction. As such, the VI must invest in and take the actions to protect the health, safety, etc, of residents and visitors. All beaches should be manned by lifeguards. No life guards perhaps they should be closed.
Her statement is, at best, disingenuous and hyperbolic. To conflate the absence of lifeguards with a lack of concern for the safety of tourists is a gross distortion of reality. The framing of her argument clearly reveals a bias, aiming to suggest that Virgin Gorda is being uniquely neglected. As the blogger Zero correctly pointed out, none of the beaches in the BVI, including Cane Garden Bay—the most visited beach—have lifeguards. Most destinations in the Caribbean also do not have lifeguards. Are we then to assume they all do not care about safety? The implication here, that the government is indifferent to tourists’ well-being because of this, is both misleading and unfair. Should this be addressed ? absolutely but lets not castigate in the process .
maybe Vyez Kartel can be a lifegaurd when he reach to collect our tax money.
he can float on his belly