LIFEGUARDS

An important feature of the beaches of Barbados is the provision of a Lifeguard Service.

MISSION:

The mission of the NCC Lifeguards is to promote safety on the beaches through education and training in beach related activities.

HISTORY:

The Lifeguard service, which consists of 12 Lifeguards who are located at 3 stations and one sub-station, came under the management of the NCC from September 29, 1979. Prior to this time, the service was managed by the Jaycees.

LifeguardsToday, the service has grown to 70 Lifeguards, who are among the most highly trained in the world. These Lifeguards are stationed at 19 sites around the island. Our Lifeguards receive constant training and recertification by our own Lifeguard Instructor and representatives from the Lifesaving Society of Canada of which the NCC is an affiliate.

Our Lifeguards are trained in several areas including

  • Water Safety
  • First Aid
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
  • Aquatic Emergency Care

They are recertified to the following stages

  • Bronze Medallion
  • Bronze Cross
  • NLS

GOALS:

The goals of the NCC's Lifeguard Service are as follows

  • To promote professionalization among our Lifeguards
  • To promote awareness of aquatic safety
  • To provide education to the populace in water safety

As such, our Lifeguards provide an invaluable service to the community through lectures to schools and churches. Training is also provided to both governmental and non-governmental agencies.

DUTIES:

  • To ensure the safety of all users of the beaches across the island
  • To conduct rescues of persons who get into difficulty while sea-bathing
  • To utilized their skills by assisting persons who may become involved in medical emergencies until the Paramedics arrive

One of the major achievements of the service was the awarding of the Mountbatten Medal to our Chief Lifeguard, Mr. Ken Mayers.

In addition to the above, the Commission also provides Lifeguard services for private functions e.g. - beach parties, pool parties, etc., for a nominal charge.

RANGERS

MISSION:

To ensure that law and order is maintained at the beaches and parks across the island.

HISTORY:

RangersThe Ranger service was initially introduced in 1970, with a staff compliment of 11 persons. Today, the compliment has reached persons who are trained in certain aspects of the law and also in defensive techniques. The service presently consists of 121 persons who are stationed at 22 beaches, 14 public parks, the NCC's headquarters and Harrison's Cave.

GOALS:

  • To promote positiveness and professionalism among the Rangers.
  • To ensure safety and security to users of the beaches and
    parks and staff at the designated areas.

DUTY:

  • To ensure that the beach users and visitors to the various parks behave in a respectable manner.
  • To ensure that the required laws are carried out effectively.

The Rangers are trained in aspects of the relevant laws which relate to their areas of activity. This training is organised by the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Ministry of Defence and Security, and the Ministry of Legal Affairs .

Our Rangers also participate in the annual Independence Day Parade, where they perform as a uniformed body. This activity commenced in 1994, and the staff received several compliments on their attire and presentation. One of the Senior Rangers, Mr. Alfred Burnett, prepared the staff for this event.

The service also lends a military aspect with representation at various ceremonial activities.

FIELD SERVICES

Field Services The Field Services department provides a social service to the country and the operations play an integral part of the tourism product since they enhance the aesthetic value of the island.

This department is charged with the responsibility of the general beautification, maintenance and development of parks, beaches, government gardens and highways under the NCC's control. The department comprises of a staff complement totalling 500 persons who are deployed at approximately 100 sites across the island.

Historic Sites
The National Conservation Commission, has as one of its mandates, to upkeep and maintain parks, beaches and open areas. Among these are four areas of special historic and national interest. These are:
Historic Sites