Jamaica’s tourism industry has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) lifeguard training initiatives. This pioneering effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety and security of both visitors and locals on the island’s picturesque beaches.

The TEF, recognizing the critical role that lifeguards play in maintaining safe recreational spaces, has launched a comprehensive program to train and certify lifeguards across Jamaica’s coastal regions. This initiative is not just about enhancing the safety standards but also about improving Jamaica’s competitiveness as a premier international tourist destination.

The lifeguard training program, executed through the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation, is a collaborative effort involving multiple public and private sector entities. The first cohort of graduates, comprising senior students from Rhodes Hall High School in Hanover, received their certifications on May 9, 2024, marking a historic moment for the country’s tourism sector.

These students underwent six months of rigorous training, which included swimming, water safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, rescue techniques, and ethical practices. Of the 14 graduates, nine completed all three aspects of the training, qualifying them as lifeguards and standard first aid and CPR providers, while the remaining five achieved certification as standard first aid and CPR providers.

The project was born out of a concern expressed by the Negril Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and other tourism organizations regarding the scarcity of certified lifeguards in the resort town. In response, Rhodes Hall High School and the Negril WaveRunners Swim Club joined forces to increase the number of qualified lifeguards in the area.

This initiative is a testament to the community’s commitment to fostering a safe environment for tourism, which is a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economy. The certification, provided by the Royal Lifeguard Society, is accompanied by licensing facilitated by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), allowing these individuals to be employed as professional lifeguards.

With the success of this pilot project, TEF plans to expand the lifeguard program to other parishes, including St. James and St. Ann, during the 2024/25 financial year. The goal is to eventually include all parishes, further strengthening the safety net for Jamaica’s thriving tourism industry.

Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of TEF, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it “forms part of the tourism industry-led transformative and value-added process and is designed to enhance Jamaica’s competitiveness as an international destination while providing direct benefits to its people.”

As Jamaica continues to welcome an increasing number of visitors each year, the TEF’s lifeguard training initiatives are a proactive step towards ensuring that the island remains a safe and attractive destination for tourists worldwide.

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