As the North Eleuthera Regatta and the Wemyss Bight Homecoming events commence for the Discovery Day holiday weekend, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has an important message for the local and visiting public.
Supt. Ismella Davis and her team highlight that they are committed to the security and safety of each event site this weekend. Davis emphasizes that the RBPF has a no tolerance approach, and that if laws are broken, responsible parties would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, especially matters pertaining to destruction of property, threats, or causing harm.
Parents are also asked to be especially vigilant during the weekend, taking care to give guidelines to their children and to know where they are at all times. Beachgoers should also ensure that safety is considered first and foremost, says Superintendent Davis, for both children and adults.
Citing a recent incident of theft from an unsecured vehicle near the Glass Window Bridge, Davis and her team advises the public, taking advantage of parking areas in and around the Regatta and the Homecoming sites, to safeguard their valuables, and to properly secure their vehicles.
National advice from the RBPF in the Capital:
SAFETY TIPS FOR SWIMMERS, BOATERS AND DRIVERS
The National Heroes Holiday is usually a day for family activities which include picnics at the beach, parties, sailing or cruising around the island and visiting family and friends. Police would like to encourage residents that are planning activities at the beach or at other public areas to be extremely vigilant. Pay close attention to your surroundings and be alert to suspicious people, activities and vehicles.
AT THE BEACH:
- Keep a watchful eye on family and friends, especially little children who will be swimming.
- Don’t allow kids to swim or dive into unfamiliar waters.
- Do not swim alone and always swim close to the shoreline, in the event you experience a cramp, you are able to get immediate help.
- If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don’t swim against the current’s pull
BOATERS:
- Check with the meteorological department for weather forecast and adhere to all advice given.
- Do not bring boats/jet skis to the shoreline where persons are swimming
- Take cell phones with you and let family members/friends know of your location at sea
- Do not drink while operating a boat or Jet Ski
DRIVERS:
- NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE
- If you decide to drink, ensure there is a designated driver
- Obey ALL traffic laws
- Be careful when overtaking and watch out for blind spots
- Wear seatbelts at all times
DRIVE TO ARRIVE ALIVE
