The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force are campaigning this summer for the use of lifejackets while traveling on-board private boats and yachts as they do their part to promote accident prevention on the sea during the summer months.
During a recent interview, Special Constable Audley Astwood who is responsible for Public Relations for the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force spoke of the importance of wearing lifesaving gear when venturing out on private crafts.
“A heavy wave action, a collision, bad weather or just a slip on a wet deck during travel can result in passengers falling overboard. Rough seas or sea swells can easily swallow the best of swimmers within seconds. Non-swimmers are at even greater risk. With a secured life vest, the chances of surviving are much greater,” Special Constable Astwood, noted.
While the law does not mandate wearing lifejackets on-board boats, Special Constable Astwood hopes the campaign will encourage people to view lifejackets as they view seatbelts.
“Lifejackets save lives. It is equipment no private vessel should be without. I recommend that persons ask the captain for a lifejacket before getting on any private boat. If the captain does not have lifejackets, you should borrow or consider other options for traveling,” he said.
Special Constable Astwood further noted the need for passengers to ask for the captain’s credentials. “Not because you can drive a car, you can drive a boat. These are two very different forms of transports. Ensure that your captain has the prerequisite maritime skills to operate a vessel,” he said.
The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force want the TCI public to join in their effort to prevent accidents and emergencies both on land and sea during the summer months here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
