A number of incidents within the waters of the Turks & Caicos recently have prompted the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) to reiterate necessary etiquette while on holiday or enjoying a cooling swim.
The DECR would like to remind visitors and residents that the ocean holds many creatures and that appropriate safety precautions should be taken. Globally, such incidents are exceptionally rare and are typically associated with fishing or fish-feeding activities (the latter being banned in the TCI).
In order to minimize incidents related to marine animals, the DECR also urges the public to be familiar with the following swimming, snorkeling and dive etiquette prior to jumping into the water:
· DO use biodegradable suntan lotion whenever possible and allow time for all lotions to soak into the skin before going into the ocean. Suntan lotion is toxic to the reefs;
· DO NOT touch, stand on or kick the coral; it is a living animal and you will harm it;
· DO employ the ‘buddy system’ (swim / snorkel / dive with a friend and make sure someone knows where you are at all times) whenever going into the ocean;
· AVOID kicking sand with your fins when snorkeling so that fine particles do not smother and choke living coral;
· DO NOT remove corals, sand, shells and wildlife, whether dead or alive, from the Protected Areas. It is illegal;
· For your safety, please swim within the “swim zone” (within 300 feet of shore in designated areas);
· DO NOT fish in protected areas such as National Parks and Nature Reserves. It is illegal to do so. This includes ‘catch and release’ fishing or hunting for conch and lobsters;
· For your safety, so as not to attract fish, DO NOT swim, snorkel or dive whilst wearing shiny jewelry, watches or accessories;
· Be cognizant of vessels in the water, even if you are within a demarcated swim zone;
· If you are a first time snorkeler, please adhere to these guidelines:
o Practice with your gear first;
o Stay relaxed and reduce your effort;
o Learn to read ocean conditions;
o Choose your first location carefully;
o Choose a calm spot;
o Be a steward!
The DECR hopes to encourage a safe and fun experience for both visitors to and residents of the islands, through the above guidelines.
