The Do’s Of Swimming Along Heavily Trafficked Coastal Areas

Captain Soberanis also touched on some safety measures that swimmers and resorts alike can adopt. According to Captain Soberanis, the safety of all concerned requires a multi-stakeholder approach that incorporates robust information sharing and pre-high season training.

Captain Gregory Soberanis, Vice-Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

Captain Gregory Soberanis

“Similar to how we say don’t drink and drink, no drinking and boating because that will impair your judgment as well. But, as it relates to visitors who come to Belize, as I mentioned earlier, there has to be a holistic approach to how we look at tourism in that aspect. The resort owners must have a component to their package that when tourist come to Belize, that when we have guest at these resorts that they are given that safety brief. If they are located in an area that is highly trafficable, then have a designated area for swimming marked off with buoys and that sort of thing. So, all these things are safety measures where we can ensure that people who get into the waters are safe, that the boat operators who travel up and down the coast they know that they can clearly see the buoy from a distance, they know that is an area for swimming and they can avoid that particular area. One of the things you have to consider as well is tide, current, because you would be amazed at how quick that tide can carry you out. That is why we always encourage people to wear their life jackets, because that is a life saver. I know many people don’t like to wear their life jackets because it is uncomfortable, but it is a life safer. Even if you are swimming, even when you are swimming I should say, and that boat is coming, the lookout would be able to see you because of your life jacket.”