The rise in use of Long Bay Beach for recreational water sports activities, has led to the area becoming unsafe for swimmers, says environmental group SWA. The Long Bay Beach, particularly in the area near the Shore Club development, has seen an overwhelming growth in use by kite boarders, jet skiers, and horseback riders, making the location more dangerous for swimmers and beach walkers alike.
SWA Environmental, has developed a proposal for the zoning of the Long Bay Beach, which includes creating designated areas for swimming, aquatic sports, scuba and kite board training, camping, fishing, anchoring and access lanes for vessels. With the introduction of these zones, all beach goers will have a fair and virtually risk – free experience when attending the popular neighborhood beach.
At present, legislations require zoning in National Parks and nature reserves as stated under Regulation 6 of the National Parks Ordinance; however, coastal areas such as the well – liked Long Bay Beach, do not fall under protection and are in need of new zoning legislations. These legislations will lead to making the beach safer for all users regardless of their purpose for attending the local seaside hotspot.
In their proposal, SWA Environmental suggests using Chapter 10.6 of the Coast Protection Ordinance, which aims “to provide for the protection of the coasts of the islands,” as a legal framework for a development of the new zoning legislation. They also suggest making amendments to the Ordinance to Provide for Regulations, which includes the hiring of wardens, fees and charges for those who do not comply by the zoning Regulations; as well as power for a police or fishery officer to initiate proceeding for those who do not uphold the new zoning laws.
According to the SWA Environmental proposal, the new legislation presents positives for the country as it improves the safety for tourist and locals alike. It also does not present any financial risks or implications for the country and SWA suggests that, by improving public safety through zoning – financial liability for accidental injury and/or death will reduce significantly, as beach goers will be more cognizant of the safety of others in the water.
The group also mentions that the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) can use zoning of all coastal areas as a means of further regulating the licensing of water sports operators, which in turn will allow for a greater level of inspection and safety in the water sports industry.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has faced issues in the past due to the lack of zoning, with the most recent happening in 2012 off the shores of Grace Bay beach in Providenciales. During the incident, an American debt trader, Mark Lane, tragically lost his life after being struck in the head by a motor boat whilst snorkeling on the esteemed beach. This accident led to the improved enforcements of constructed activity zones established by the National Parks Ordinance, in the Princess Alexandra National Park where Grace Bay Beach is located.
This zoning proposal set forth by the group aims to prevent any further coastal accidents by establishing designated zones in unprotected areas which will allow all beach users to capitalize on the outdoor experiences in a safer manner.
