No flag, no swim (II)

WHILE they are very important and help to limit injuries and even deaths at the beach, warning flags without lifeguards are almost useless. Until someone is on hand to provide assistance and rescue, warnings flags have little purpose.

This is the reason why most safe beaches and other water recreational centres use both warning flags and lifeguards to ensure the safety of patrons. One such place is the La Pleasure Beach Resort in La, Accra.

In a chat with Graphic Showbiz recently, Head of the security team at the La Pleasure Beach Resort, Mr Eric Yemo Tetteh, said although the flags are very essential, they also rely heavily on their lifeguards to provide safety and security services to revellers.

Mr Tetteh popularly known as Major, said the La Beach has 11 permanent lifeguards but they called on the National Life Savers Association and other security agencies for more hands on festive occasions to help them operate smoothly.

“Depending on the occasion, we go for 10 to 20 men. In addition to that we work with the La Police Officers among others,” he stated.

Mr. Tetteh described his men as some of the best that the country can boast of.

“Their job is so important  that we don’t burden them with any other operation apart from taking care of the people in the water especially. Every day, they survey the water to locate the safe places for swimming then they mount the red and white flags”, he said.

Touching on other safety and security problems, Major said, “Since La Pleasure Beach is a recreational centre where thousands of people visit, there are likely to be deviant characters. So when incidents such as theft happen, we hand such persons over to the police."

He also revealed that there had been instances where patrons have carried weapons on them.

“Some revellers come to the beach with firearms but because of the stringent security checks we conduct at the entrance, we find them and explain to the owners why they cannot go inside armed. We keep them and give them back to them on their way out,” he stated.

Throwing light on food and drink safety, Major disclosed they work hand in hand with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) to ensure patrons consume wholesome food and drinks.

"Last year the Ghana Tourism Authority came for inspection. All bars and restaurants that were found wanting were closed down till their owners complied with the regulations,” he disclosed.

Mr Tetteh described the La Pleasure Beach as one of the safest beach fronts in the country but admitted there was still more to be done to boost safety and security and make revellers more comfortable.

“Our only source of funding is through gate proceeds. We charge GH¢5 on weekdays, GH¢10 on Saturdays, GH¢15 on Sundays and sometimes GH¢20 on festive occasions. Yes we are under the La Traditional Council but we will be happy if government and other corporate bodies could support us to render better services”, he added.


Story in Graphic Showbiz Newspaper, page 8
Story by Richmond Nyarko
Date of Publication, October 3, - October 9, 2019. 

Page 8 of Graphic Showbiz, Thursday, October 3 - October 9, 2019.