Sightseeing: Beaches
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Things to know when on Beach Holidays in Barbados

Official Signs

Barbados has approx. 70 Lifeguards stationed at approx. 19 beaches, who are rated among the most highly trained in the world. They are constantly retrained and recertified both locally and by the Lifesaving Society of Canada in Water Safety / Fist Aid / Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Aquatic Emergency Care.

The National Conservation Commission (NCC) of Barbados, formerly known as the Parks and Beaches Commission is responsible for the conservation, maintenance and development of the beaches in Barbados, their facilities and surroundings. They also provide Beach Rangers to ensure beach users behave in a respectable manner and required laws are carried out effectively. (Over 120 Rangers are stationed at over 20 beaches)

For your convenience and safety the NCC has provided and maintained; Beach Facilities, Lifeguard Stations, access to water & electricity, seating & picnic tables as well as Play Parks for the kids and signage to ensure you find public access to your beach of choice.

BEACH RANGERS DUTIES: Over 120 Rangers are stationed at over 20 beaches

• To ensure law and order is maintained on the beaches.
• To ensure safety and security to beach users.

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.

BEACH FACILITIES include (usually): Open Daily: 8:30am - 5pm
Toilet facilities
Standard sanitary ware
Showers - Internal & external
Changing Rooms & facilities - male & female

BEACH ACCESSES (over 85 accesses to beaches)
Pedestrian Access (width: 6ft & over) - No Parking area
Vehicular Access - Access for both pedestrians and vehicles with Parking Area provided.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police (Emergency only) - 211
Ambulance Service (Public Hospital: QEH) - 511
Fire Service - 311
Police Hotline - 429 8787 

CONDITIONS

• Climate - Tropical; rainy season (June to November) - Sun block is a must.
• Water Temperatures: 25 - 28 degrees C OR 75 - 78 degrees F
• Temperature usually peaks: July & August
• Coastline - 97km
• Sunset - usually around 6:00pm 
• Sunrise - usually between 5am - 5:30am

BEACH LAWS:

• No Nude Bathing
• No Topless Bathing & Tanning
• No Littering
• No Driving on Beaches
• No Damaging of Reefs
• Harassment on the beach by vendors is not permitted. (Kiosks are provided for Vendors to do their trade)
• Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. (Zero  tolerance policy for use and trafficking of illegal drugs)

SAFETY TIPS:

• Police & Rangers usually patrol the more popular beaches.
• Do not leave personal items unattended on the beach.
• Secure your valuables
• Obey the safety flags placed on the beach by lifeguards.
• RED FLAGS mean: Dangerous, no swimming
• YELLOW FLAGS mean: Caution, swimming conditions risky.
• Use brightly coloured gear and buoy/markers when snorkeling for your own safety.
• Avoid Beaches at Night.
• Avoid swimming on the East Coast.
• Where there are watersport activities, persons should be cautious when entering outside the area marked with orange coloured buoys
• Avoid taking Children to Beaches without Lifeguards.
• Watch-out for Sea Urchins, usually black with spines.
• DO NOT TOUCH the Manchineel Tree or its Fruits. (POISONOUS - Causes BLISTERS)
• DO NOT STAND UNDER the Manchineel Tree when it's raining. (liquid from tree may cause BLISTERING)

(The tree has green shiny leaves with a small apple-shaped fruit and is usually marked by red bands)

SUNSCREEN TIPS:

• Always wear sunscreen especially if you're going to be in the sun for long periods.
• If easily sun burnt avoid long periods of direct sun rays between 11am and 3pm.
• Use WATERPROOF Sun block with a high SPF factor (30 - 35). (6 - 8 hours protection)
• For intensive sun exposure (50 & up)
• Don't forget to pack after sun moisturizer & Sunglasses.
• Use Lip Balm or Lip Zinc if participating in watersports.

NOTE:

• There are NO PRIVATE BEACHES IN BARBADOS.
• Beachfront properties have to provide public access to beaches. (up to high-water mark)
• Swim wear must be covered when entering commercial establishments.
• Seasonal weather can cause a change in conditions
• The wearing of any form of camouflage is prohibited by law.
• Please do not disturb nesting Sea Turtles
• Please do not scare Sea Turtles by chasing them
• Please report any Sea Turtles sightings to the Sea Turtle 24hr Hotline.  

Barbados Sea Turtle Project (BSTP)
Responsible for restoring the marine turtle populations.
Website: http://www.barbadosseaturtles.org/
Hotline: (246) 230 0142

The Barbados Marine Trust (BMT)
A non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting environmentally and socially-sustainable use of the marine areas of Barbados.
Contact Info:
Address: "Underwater Barbados", Carlisle Bay, Bay Street, St. Michael.
Tel: (246) 228 8071 / Fax: (246) 228 8072
E-mail: bmtrust@sunbeach.net
Website: http://www.barbadosmarinetrust.com/

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