Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2016 | Page 42

Summer has arrived and many of you will be enjoying
your National Parks over the upcoming holidays. We
want to emphasize that swimming at the beach can be
extremely fun however beach patrons must be prepared
and sensible whenever in or near the ocean.
Who is at risk for drowning? Everyone.
However, children have the highest risk for drowning
worldwide. Risks include inadequate supervision, inability
to swim, and unrealistic expectations of children by
guardians regarding water safety.
Be safe and make good judgments about your beach
activities this summer. REMEMBER - Slip on a shirt. When out in the sun, wear protective clothing
of tightly woven fabrics that you can’t see through when held up to the light.
Slap on a hat. Have fun choosing one and make sure it protects your face
and back of your neck. Bucket shaped hats are great for kids. Slop on
sunscreen. SPF30 or higher, apply everyday 30 minutes to one hour before
you go out. Dry and re-apply every 2 hours if possible, especially after
swimming and exercising. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL BE SAFE THIS SUMMER
THE WATER SAFETY CODE Spot the danger 2015 CUP MATCH CAMPING
• Are Lifeguards on duty at your beach?
• Know the general beach conditions: are there
high surf conditions, is it shallow enough to stand,
is it deep enough to jump, are there rip currents
or any other currents, what is the tide like, is it busy?
• Are there any dangerous marine animals present
such as Portuguese Man-of-War?
• Are there any boating (including personal watercraft)
activities near your swimming area?
• Even if you are only near the water, take extra care.
Take Safety Advice
• Choose swimming areas where there is
Lifeguard coverage.
• Know the weather forecast before leaving home.
• Make note of any warning signs or
safety flags at beaches.
Don’t Go It Alone
• Never swim alone.
• Children must always have direct and close adult
supervision while in or near the water at all times.
Learn How to Help
• Do you know what to do in an emergency?
• Shout for help and alert a Lifeguard.
• Telephone emergency services (911)
if there are no Lifeguards present.
• Do not enter the water to rescue someone
unless trained to do so.
• Take in a water safety workshop and get certified
in CPR & First Aid to be part of the solution for
a safe summer at the beach.
DESIGNATED SWIMMING ONLY
These areas are marked by large orange buoys and NO
marine traffic including personal watercraft is allowed in
these areas at anytime. These areas include Clearwater
and Turtle Beach, Coopers Island Nature Reserve, Shelly
Bay, Admiralty House Park/Clarence Cove.
The Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Parks, have established
a few guidelines for those who wish to camp outside the 3 designated
campgrounds - Ferry Point Park, Chaplin Bay and Higgs & Horseshoe Islands.
The major reforestation and environmental project at Coney Island is still
ongoing. Therefore the park is CLOSED to camping. It will be restricted to
picnicking only.
There will be NO CAMPING at Blue Hole Park / Nature Reserve or Coopers
Island Nature Reserve at the old NASA site. There is also NO CAMPING on
the DUNE immediately behind Jobsons’ Cove in South Shore Park. This
dune area has rare sensitive plants that need to be protected. There is a sign
erected advising park users of this policy.
NO tents or ropes to mark spots are permitted to be erected on
Monday 27th July 2015. Tents and ropes found erected at the parks
and beaches on this date will be taken down by the Department of Parks.
Campers may erect tents and tarps on Tuesday 28th July 2015 to
secure their preferred spot. However, no one will be permitted to camp on this
date. Please do not erect tents in front of the park and beach access gates.
Camping WILL be permitted from Wednesday 29th July until
Sunday 2nd August 2015.
Park gates will be opened during the day on 29th July 2015 to allow
campers and picnickers the opportunity to set up. Park Rangers will be on
duty until 10 p.m. Wednesday 29th July 2015 and will begin locking the
gates at 9:30 p.m.
For the safety of park users, ALL vehicles must be removed from the parks
and placed in the designated parking lots.
Park Rangers will also be on duty both days of Cup Match,
Thursday 30th July and Friday 31st July 2015, from 9 a.m. until
7 p.m. and the weekend Saturday 1st August and Sunday 2nd
August 2015, from 9:30 am to 6 pm to assist park users.
Lifeguards will be on duty at Clearwater Beach, Turtle Beach, John Smith’s
Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Long Bay at Coopers Island Nature Reserve from
10 am to 6 pm. throughout the holiday period.
The following beaches have safe swimming zones designated by buoys where
boats and personal watercrafts are not permitted to enter; Clarence Cove at
Admiralty House Park, Shelley Bay, Clearwater Beach, Turtle Bay, and Long
Bay at Coopers Island. Operators of vessels
are asked to adhere to these safety zones.