The operator of Enchanter Creek has issued a heartfelt apology following the tragic drowning of two young girls – Akira La Rose, 10, and Joylyn Jack, 11 – which occurred at the facility on Sunday.
The operator expressed deep regret for the incident and acknowledged the need for improved safety measures.
“I’m sorry about the incident,” he said.
At an emergency meeting held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center on Monday, the operator explained that typically, two staff members oversee the facility.
However, on the day of the drowning, only one staff member was present as the other had briefly left to run an errand. He admitted that it is challenging to monitor all areas, especially when the crowd is large.
“We also need help from the parents to keep them [the children] safe.
“I’m not trying to shift blame but it’s not an effort alone on the operators. We need the parents also. We have sign boards and we have lines in the water.
“These kids were found like 15 feet of the line,” he explained.
In response to the tragedy, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn announced that all water-based recreational facilities must put in place trained lifeguards, clear signage, and designated children’s areas within a week.
“I would like to see those things done this week,” Benn stated.
Lifeguards, signage and safe zones ordered for all water facilities by week’s end
The operator of Enchanter Creek pledged to take immediate action.
“We will put up more signs and more [safety] lines. When they reach at the gate we tell them don’t swim over the line. No adults and all we does tell, no body swimming over the lines.”
Authorities will also evaluate the capacity of recreational spaces, the ratio of lifeguards to visitors, and address issues such as drinking and fighting.
Operators are advised to enforce strict eviction policies for non-compliance.
What kind of LINES are in place, Fishing Lines ?
There must be BARRICADES from top of water to bottom, where they are anchored preventing anyone from
crossing under or over to deeper areas.
Children under 16 years- areas must be restricted to 3 feet deep maximum and barricaded.
Too many drownings in the large rivers, small streams, even at water recreation facilities, that don’t have
enough personnel to manage a crowd. Therefore, limits must be placed on occupancy.
Operators must have liability insurance to cover such as deaths by any cause at their sites.