Lifeguards play a key role in ensuring a safe environment for swimmers at pools and public beaches.
Initially the life guards on the designated beaches on island were under the Ministry of tourism but at the start of this year, Deb Eastwood, a stalwart in the swimming community, took responsibility and became director /owner of Lifeguards Grenada, which in turn provides services to the Ministry of Tourism.
She explained her reason for taking up the mantle.
Eastwood says she is qualified instructor in red cross. She said they have set up a partnership with Grenada red cross to go ahead and certify lifeguards before the ministry came on board. A number of these life guards were first part of their swimming program.
The training process for lifeguards is critical Eastwood explained, because at some point the life of another person becomes their responsibility.
She says everyone that is a life guard first needs to attend a lifeguard class before becoming a lifeguard, as well as a number of drills such as search and rescue drills and a number of procedures. Eastwood says they need to know first aid and CPR. These drills are practice over and over and a course on CPR AND FIRST AID.
Apart from Grand Anse beach in St George lifeguards are also stationed at Bathway Beach in St Patrick.
