11 watersports operators from the Grand Anse beach received first aid and CPR training on Tuesday at the Grenada Red Cross Society’s building on Upper Lucas Street. The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) facilitated the training to add safety to patrons engaging in watersports on the most-visited beach on the island.
“The watersports operators developed skills in first aid response and CPR administration for infants and adults; bandaging wounds; emergence care for cardiac arrest, choking, and bone & muscle injuries,” said Mrs Luan McGuire, First Aid instructor at the Grenada Red Cross Society.
The all-male trainees operate inflatable towables, which form fun rides for locals and visitors. The 2-mile long white sand beach offers views of the capital of St George’s and the mountainous terrain of the tropical rainforest while gliding along the calm, clear waters.
“The training was quite educational for us all, especially as it was the first time developing first aid and CPR skills. It will definitely complement our businesses on the beach,” commented Mr Vachel Edmund, watersports operator on Grand Anse beach for the past 12 years.
“Today’s training has taught me how to deal with an emergency situation if it arises while on the job. I like the fact also that it is a standard that is recognized in other countries,” said Mr Dwight Augustine, watersports operator on Grand Anse beach.
The Grenada Tourism Authority has taken advantage of the low peak season for visitor arrivals to develop the skill sets of some of the front line workers in the tourism industry. To date, 30 hoteliers received fire safety training and 80 Grand Anse beach vendors are in the process of completing life skills training.
GTA