Castries – Wednesday, June 26, 2013 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) through its Division of Maritime Affairs, is working with local stakeholders to re-demarcate the beaches at Rodney Bay. The demarcated zones will allow for designated swimming areas, areas for boat rides, water sports, and uses by fisher folk. On Friday 14th June 2013 the Director of Maritime Affairs, Director of Seaports, Ministry of Tourism Officials, Director of Yachting, local authorities and other key stakeholders held its second consultation to discuss the way forward.

Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs, explained at the meeting “In 2007, SLASPA demarcated the Rodney Bay/Reduit beach area for swimming and other water sport activities. This initiative was fully funded as a pilot project to address certain boating safety concerns with the increasing influx of vessels in the confined space. Unfortunately, after Hurricane Dean all the markers had been destroyed which left that area exposed and increased sea bathers’ vulnerability. Thus, in keeping with plans already drawn up by the engineers of SLASPA, we are moving forward with trying to cordon off the area again with a series of corridors to provide access to the beach for vessel operators. The model will designate clearly established swimming areas for all bathers and swimmers alike”.

SLASPA plans to work with all parties involved to undertake a comprehensive education drive to inform the general public of these safety measures being re-implemented. The organisation through the Division of Maritime Affairs, will continue to facilitate further meetings to ensure the community has an input prior to the final implementation. These ongoing discussions highlight SLASPA’s commitment towards boating safety on Saint Lucian Waters with a view to protecting the Tourism Product and sea bathers.

For more information, contact the Division of Maritime Affairs at 457-6151.